Get ready to transform your kitchen into a festive wonderland with these irresistible Orange Spiced Gingerbread Cutouts that promise to tantalize your taste buds and fill your home with the most incredible warm, spicy aroma! Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp yet tender cookie that combines the classic comfort of traditional gingerbread with a bright, zesty orange twist that will make your holiday baking truly unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this recipe is about to become your new seasonal sensation!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In another mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the molasses, large egg, and grated orange zest to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should come together and be slightly sticky.
- Once the dough is mixed, divide it into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll out.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- After the dough has chilled, remove one disk from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Once you have cut out all the cookies from the first disk, re-roll any scraps and continue cutting out shapes until all the dough is used. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second disk of dough.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips
- • Chill the dough thoroughly - this is crucial for easy rolling and preventing spread during baking • Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor profile • Roll the dough to a consistent 1/4 inch thickness for even baking • Don't overwork the dough, which can make cookies tough • Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating • Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness • For extra festive touch, consider royal icing or simple powdered sugar dusting • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing • Rotate baking sheets midway for even browning
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
