Prepare to revolutionize your holiday baking with these incredible gingerbread cookies that prove you don't need molasses to create mind-blowing flavor! Imagine crisp, perfectly spiced cookies that melt in your mouth and fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will transform your cookie game and have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Ground ginger
- Cinnamon
- Baking soda
- Butter
- Sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon baking soda until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream ¾ cup softened butter with ½ cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until completely incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to ¼ inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Decorate with royal icing or sprinkle with powdered sugar once completely cooled.
Tips
- Chill the dough: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Chilling helps prevent spreading and creates a more concentrated flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together to keep cookies tender.
- Use a light touch when rolling: Too much pressure can make cookies tough.
- Watch baking time carefully: Cookies continue cooking slightly after removing from oven, so take them out when edges are just golden.
- Cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting. Pro tip: These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for advance holiday preparation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
