Get ready to transform your kitchen into a winter wonderland with these adorable Reindeer Gingerbread Cookies that are guaranteed to bring joy and Christmas cheer! Imagine soft, spicy gingerbread men with cute chocolate eyes and delicate icing antlers that look almost too cute to eat. Whether you're baking with kids, preparing for a holiday party, or just wanting to spread some seasonal magic, these cookies are your ticket to becoming the ultimate festive baker.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- Decorative icing
- Chocolate candies for eyes
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and equipment. Ensure butter is softened to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add molasses and egg to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop and dough to firm up.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them carefully on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are slightly golden and cookies are set but not overly dark.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate cookies with white decorative icing to create antlers and facial details.
- Use chocolate candies to create adorable reindeer eyes, pressing them gently into the icing.
- Allow decorated cookies to set completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest dough.
- Refrigerating the dough is crucial - it helps develop richer flavors and prevents spreading during baking.
- Use a light touch when rolling out dough to keep cookies tender.
- For perfectly uniform cookies, invest in good quality cookie cutters.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Get creative with decorations - kids love helping add eyes and antlers!
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For extra festive flair, try adding edible glitter or colored sprinkles to your decorative icing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
