Classic Gingerbread Spiced Cookies (Print version)

Delight in spiced gingerbread with molasses and cinnamon, a comforting treat for festive or cozy occasions.

# What you'll need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Decorating (optional)

13 - Royal icing
14 - Assorted sprinkles or candies

# How to make it:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
02 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter with dark brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
03 - Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until combined, then stir in molasses and vanilla extract thoroughly.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated to form the dough.
05 - Divide dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disk to a thickness of 1/4 inch and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
08 - Space cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking.
09 - Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are set. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
10 - Once completely cooled, decorate cookies with royal icing and sprinkles or candies according to preference.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • They have that perfect balance of spices that feels like a cozy secret between friends
  • The molasses gives these cookies a deep, rich flavor that always keeps me coming back
02 -
  • Don't skip chilling the dough— it really transforms texture and keeps cookies from spreading too much
  • Adding a pinch of black pepper brightened the spices for me and gave these a lovely unexpected kick
03 -
  • Use room temperature ingredients to make mixing smoother and dough texture perfect
  • The secret to soft yet defined cookies is not overbaking— pull them just as edges set

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