Indulge in the warmth and festive aroma of soft gingerbread cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening at home. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, bringing the flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses right into your kitchen. With their soft texture and spicy sweetness, they are sure to become a beloved treat for everyone. Let’s dive into the delightful world of baking these scrumptious cookies!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, while the baking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 5g
– Saturated Fat: 3g
– Carbohydrates: 18g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 1g
(Note: Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Roll the dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm but centers are soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Additionally, honey can replace molasses for a lighter flavor. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving and Pairings
These soft gingerbread cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served alongside warm apple cider during the holidays.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, simply microwave for a few seconds or reheat in the oven.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overbaking the cookies will make them hard; take them out when they’re still soft.
- Not chilling the dough can lead to spreading, resulting in flat cookies.
- Using too much flour can make cookies dry; measure accurately.
- Forgetting the baking soda will affect the rise; double-check your ingredients.
- Skipping the spices will result in bland cookies; don’t omit them!
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Experiment with adding chocolate chips for a twist.
- Roll the dough in sugar before baking for a sweet crust.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a stand mixer works great for creaming the butter and sugar together, making the process easier and quicker.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading, ensuring they hold their shape while baking.
Can I use less sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce the sugar, but be cautious as it may affect the texture and sweetness. Start with a small reduction.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, chill it for a bit longer or add a little more flour until the desired consistency is achieved.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can decorate them with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Conclusion
Soft gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With their rich spices and chewy texture, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Roll the dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm but centers are soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
