Oh, the joy of baking gingerbread cookies during the holiday season! There’s something magical about the warm, inviting aroma of spices filling your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy winter wonderland. These gingerbread cookies are not just any ordinary treats; they’re perfect for decorating and turning into festive masterpieces that will wow your friends and family. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like gathering your loved ones around the table, rolling out dough, and cutting out whimsical shapes together.
As you mix the ingredients, you can almost hear the laughter and excitement echoing in the air. Once baked to golden perfection, these cookies become a blank canvas, ready for your creativity to shine through. Whether you prefer colorful royal icing or a sprinkle of festive decorations, the decorating possibilities are endless! So grab your baking supplies and let’s get started on creating these delightful gingerbread cookies decorated to celebrate the season. I promise, they’ll be the highlight of your holiday festivities!
Ingredients List
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
For the Decoration:
- 1 cup royal icing
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
How to Prepare Gingerbread Cookies Decorated
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is well mixed. This blend of spices is what gives our gingerbread cookies that signature warm flavor!
Cream Butter and Sugars
Now, let’s switch gears to the butter and sugars! In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. I often use a hand mixer for this part, but if you prefer the old-fashioned way, a wooden spoon works just fine! Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, which helps your cookies puff up beautifully!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring it all together! Add in 1 large egg and 1/4 cup of molasses to the creamed mixture, mixing until everything is well combined. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to this wet mixture, a little at a time. I usually do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. You want to combine them until just mixed; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
Shape and Bake Cookies
Once your dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes—gingerbread men, stars, or even Christmas trees! Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them, as they will spread a little while baking. Pop them in the oven for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look firm but the centers are still slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate Your Gingerbread Cookies
Now for the fun part—decorating! Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to unleash your creativity with the royal icing and sprinkles. I like to use piping bags for the icing; it gives you more control, but you can also use a plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off. Let your imagination run wild! You can outline them, fill them in, or just go crazy with sprinkles. Trust me, the more colorful, the better! Remember, there’s no wrong way to decorate your gingerbread cookies—just have fun with it!
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect gingerbread cookies decorated, there are a few handy tips that can make all the difference! First, when handling the dough, keep it chilled. If the dough feels too soft while rolling it out, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This helps maintain its shape when baking and makes it easier to work with.
Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on those cookies as they bake. If you prefer a chewier texture, take them out on the earlier side, around 8 minutes. For a crispier cookie, let them bake a full 10 minutes. Either way, remember that they’ll continue to firm up a bit once out of the oven!
When it comes to decorating, don’t be afraid to layer your royal icing. Start with a base layer to outline your cookies, let it set for a few minutes, and then go back to add details or fill in wider areas. This technique creates beautiful depth and design. And remember, sprinkles are your best friend—add them while the icing is still wet so they stick perfectly! Enjoy the process, and let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. For each gingerbread cookie decorated, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
These cookies are a sweet treat, perfect for the holidays, but don’t forget to enjoy them in moderation! Baking is all about balance, and these delightful gingerbread cookies can definitely fit into a well-rounded diet when paired with festive cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep and a quick bake time, you can whip up these delightful gingerbread cookies decorated in no time!
- Fun for Everyone: Baking and decorating is a fantastic way to bring family and friends together, creating cherished memories during the holiday season.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These gingerbread cookies are not just for Christmas! They’re versatile enough for any festive gathering or celebration.
- Endless Decorating Possibilities: Let your creativity shine! With colorful royal icing and sprinkles, you can make each cookie unique and personal.
- A Delicious Holiday Tradition: Baking gingerbread cookies is a beloved tradition for many, and this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home for years to come!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your delightful gingerbread cookies decorated, there are so many fun options to complement them! A warm cup of spiced apple cider or hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the festive flavors of gingerbread. Imagine sitting by the fire with a rich mug of cocoa, taking a bite of your beautifully decorated cookie—pure bliss!
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider serving these cookies alongside a platter of other festive treats like peppermint bark, sugar cookies, or a classic fruitcake. They make a wonderful addition to any dessert table! You could even create a little cookie decorating station with extra icing and sprinkles for your guests to unleash their creativity.
With so many delicious options, your gingerbread cookies will not only be a treat but also a highlight of your holiday festivities!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your gingerbread cookies decorated fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone long before then! If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cool before stacking them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay good for about three months in the freezer!
If you’d like to enjoy them warm, simply pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that lovely softness and warmth without overcooking them. Just be careful not to heat them too long, or they might get tough. Enjoy your cookies fresh, and happy baking!
For more festive ideas, check out our Pinterest page!
Gingerbread Cookies Decorated
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
For the Decoration
- 1 cup royal icing
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating with royal icing and sprinkles.