If you're looking to raise your holiday baking, exploring the five best gingerbread cookie recipes might just be what you need. You'll find classic options that deliver a rich, spiced flavor, alongside chewy ginger molasses cookies that bring a comforting texture to the table. And if you want something a bit different, gingerbread cookie sandwiches filled with cream cheese frosting could be your new go-to. Curious about how gluten-free variations can maintain traditional tastes? There's so much more to discover that might surprise you and improve your festive gatherings.
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Classic Gingerbread Cookies are a festive favorite, perfect for the holiday season or any time you're in the mood for a warm, spiced treat.
These cookies combine the rich flavors of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a wonderfully aromatic dough that can be rolled out and cut into fun shapes.
Whether you're decorating them with icing or enjoying them plain, these classic gingerbread cookies are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and delight to those who taste them.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let your dough chill for a longer time, as this helps the spices to meld together beautifully.
If you prefer softer cookies, take them out of the oven when they're still slightly underbaked; they'll firm up as they cool.
To add a decorative touch, consider using royal icing or colored sugar to decorate your gingerbread cookies.
Store the finished cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and they can even be frozen for later enjoyment!
Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Chewy ginger molasses cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of ginger and molasses with a soft, chewy texture that's certain to become a favorite in your household.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy night in, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With their rich aroma and satisfying chewiness, they're the ultimate comfort food that pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Using your hands, scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chopped crystallized ginger or a pinch of black pepper to the dough.
Confirm that your butter is at room temperature for the best mixing results, as this will help create a lighter texture.
If you prefer a spicier cookie, feel free to adjust the amount of ginger and spices to suit your taste.
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness, and they'll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long!
Enjoy your baking!
Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches
Gingerbread cookie sandwiches are a delightful twist on the traditional gingerbread cookie, perfect for the holiday season or any festive occasion. These sweet treats consist of spiced gingerbread cookies filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
They're fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until firm. Let them cool completely before filling.
To make the filling, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to form a sandwich.
Extra Tips:
For a fun variation, you can add spices or even a bit of cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling for added flavor.
Make sure the cookies are completely cool before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
You can also decorate the sandwich cookies with festive sprinkles or icing for a more decorative touch.
These sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings!
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
Gluten-free gingerbread cookies are a delightful twist on the classic treat, perfect for those who've dietary restrictions or simply prefer gluten-free options.
These cookies maintain the warm, spicy flavors and soft texture that gingerbread lovers crave, while using gluten-free flour alternatives to guarantee everyone can enjoy them. Ideal for holiday baking or cozy gatherings, these cookies can be cut into festive shapes and decorated with icing for a fun activity with family or friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, spices, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick, and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack before decorating.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure that all ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing.
If your dough feels too sticky after chilling, you can add a little more gluten-free flour to help with rolling.
Consider experimenting with different spices or adding chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
When decorating, use gluten-free icing or fondant to keep the entire cookie gluten-free. Enjoy your baking!
Spiced Gingerbread Men
Spiced Gingerbread Men are a delightful holiday treat that combines the warm, aromatic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves into a fun, festive shape. Perfect for decorating and sharing, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any gathering.
Whether you're making them for a holiday party or simply to enjoy with family, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating these charming little men.
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
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- Royal icing (for decorating)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg until well blended.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Let them cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
Extra Tips:
To achieve the best flavor, allow your gingerbread dough to rest in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out. This helps the spices meld together and improves the overall taste.
When decorating, use a piping bag for more control, and feel free to get creative with your designs!
Store your gingerbread men in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and consider adding a little extra spice to the icing for a delightful twist.