Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Recipe Introduction

Craving that Christmas Cheer?

Fancy some gingerbread cookies easy enough for even me to manage? Honestly, baking these beauties is like a warm hug on a cold day.

They're packed with all those festive spices that just scream Christmas.

A Classic with a Twist

Gingerbread cookies have been around for ages. They're a staple in European holiday traditions. This molasses cookie recipe easy version takes the fuss out of things.

It yields about two dozen cookies and will take about 1, 5 hours. They're perfect for sharing or, let's be real, keeping all to yourself.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

One of the best things about this gingerbread cookie recipe easy is that you can get the kids involved! Plus, the warming spices like ginger and cinnamon have some anti inflammatory properties.

Decorate them, dunk them in tea, or just nibble on them straight from the baking tray. These are best soft gingerbread cookies ever.

Now, let’s get down to the simple gingerbread cookies and what you'll need.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!

Okay, so you're ready to try this gingerbread cookie recipe easy . Ace! First, let's gather what you need. Don't worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff, nothing too fancy.

Honestly, you probably already have most of it in your cupboard. This recipe will yield the best soft gingerbread cookies !

Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) – Make sure it's softened, not melted! Honestly, slightly softened is even better. Quality butter makes a difference.
• Packed Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100g) – The dark stuff gives the best flavor.
• Molasses: ½ cup (170g) – Unsulphured is the way to go. Trust me on this one.
• Large Egg: Just 1 !
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) – Pure vanilla is always best.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¼ cups (281g) – Plain flour works just fine.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon (5g) – Helps them rise nicely.
• Ground Ginger: 1 teaspoon (2g) – This is KEY for that chewy gingerbread taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (2g) – Adds warmth.
• Ground Cloves: ½ teaspoon (1g) – A little goes a long way.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1g) – Balances the sweetness.
• Royal Icing, Sprinkles, Candies: (Optional) For decorating gingerbread cookies ideas .

Remember, these are just my personal preferences!. So, feel free to play around, as everyone has their own style in their holiday baking recipes easy .

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

For that classic gingerbread flavor, the combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is essential. Think Christmas gingerbread recipe easy to remember this combo! You can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice if you're feeling adventurous.

If you don't have ground ginger, you could use freshly grated ginger (about 2 teaspoons), but it will be a bit spicier.

Molasses is a flavor enhancer and gives that distinctive molasses cookie recipe easy depth. If you're out of molasses, dark corn syrup can work in a pinch, but it won't be quite the same.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing all that yummy dough.
• Electric Mixer: Handheld or stand mixer. Either works!
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important!
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough.
• Cookie Cutters: Gingerbread men recipe ? Stars? Your choice!
• Baking Sheets: For baking those beauties.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents sticking.
• Wire Rack: For cooling.

You don't need anything fancy! A large bowl and a wooden spoon will do if you don't have an electric mixer.

And if you don't have cookie cutters, you can use a knife to cut out squares or rectangles. These can be simple gingerbread cookies too!.

No worries, it will still be tasty!

Nailing the Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Easy: The Delia Smith Way

Right then, let's talk gingerbread. We're after that perfect balance of chewy and spice Best Chewy Gingerbread Cookies , if you will.

Forget hard, brittle biscuits, we're making magic in the kitchen. This gingerbread cookie recipe easy is foolproof. Honestly, even my clumsy mate Dave could nail it, and that's saying something.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, get organized. Measure out 113g softened butter , 100g packed brown sugar , and 170g molasses (unsulphured is the bee's knees, trust me).

Crack that egg, grab your vanilla 5ml , and have all your spices at the ready. Whisk together 281g flour , 5g baking soda , 2g ginger , 2g cinnamon , 1g cloves , and 1g salt .

Having everything prepped is a total game changer.

Gingerbread Gold: step-by-step

Right, let's get baking!

1. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
4. Wrap the dough and chill for at least 1 hour . This is KEY!
5. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Line baking sheets.
6. Roll out dough to ¼ inch thick and cut shapes.
7. Bake for 8- 10 minutes until edges are golden brown.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack. Decorate!

Pro Tips for Gingerbread Glory

Want Simple Gingerbread Cookies that wow? Don't overbake! Look for those golden edges. Chilling the dough is non-negotiable; it stops the spreading.

For a Christmas gingerbread recipe easy , get the kids involved with the decorating! It's all about having fun, innit? If you want a Molasses cookie recipe easy , the recipe above is the answer!

Recipe Notes for the Best Gingerbread Cookies

Alright, let's dive into some important deets about this gingerbread cookie recipe easy ! It's more than just instructions. It's about unlocking gingerbread greatness.

Honestly, sometimes the little things make a huge difference.

Serving Suggestions Show Off Your Bake!

Presentation matters, innit? For a classic look, arrange the cookies on a festive platter. Dust with icing sugar for a snowy effect.

Feeling fancy? Serve them with a warm mug of hot chocolate. Or, for the adults, a cheeky glass of mulled wine does the trick!

Storage Tips Keep 'Em Fresh

These best chewy gingerbread cookies are divine! But what about leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Want them to last longer? You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them well! Reheat in a low oven at 300° F ( 150° C) for a few minutes.

They'll be perfect.

Variations Put Your Own Spin On It

Want to make this christmas gingerbread recipe easy even better? Here are some ideas. For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend.

Make sure it has xanthan gum! Need it vegan? Use plant based butter. Fancy some citrus? Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough.

Voila, you've got something special.

Nutrition Basics A Little Treat

Each simple gingerbread cookies has roughly 100-120 calories. There is approximately 1 gram of protein, 4-5 grams of fat, and 15-18 grams of carbohydrates.

The spices add antioxidants, which is a nice bonus! Keep in mind, molasses add sugars so consume in moderation.

Honestly, baking these soft and chewy gingerbread cookies is a joy! Plus, the aroma filling your kitchen is just chef's kiss .

This recipe is forgiving. Don't be afraid to experiment. Now, go and bake some love! This molasses cookie recipe easy you have been looking for.

Let's create some holiday cheer, get decorating gingerbread cookies ideas , grab your gingerbread men recipe , get those best soft gingerbread cookies and chewy gingerbread cookies, because that's what holiday baking recipes easy is all about.

Frequently Asked Questions

My gingerbread cookies spread too much while baking! What went wrong?

Oh dear, a right royal pain when that happens! Spreading usually means the dough wasn't chilled enough. Make sure to chill it for at least an hour, or even better, overnight. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as this develops gluten and can cause spreading too. Like a Yorkshire pudding batter, don't overmix.

Can I make this gingerbread cookie recipe easy with gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some separately, as it acts as a binder. It's like using self raising flour - it needs that 'oomph'!

How long will these gingerbread cookies last, and what's the best way to store them?

Stored properly, these gingerbread cookies will last for up to a week. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them extra fresh and prevent any moisture absorption (soggy biscuit alert!), consider placing a piece of bread in the container with the cookies just like your nan used to do!

What if I don't have molasses? Is there a substitute I can use in this gingerbread cookie recipe easy?

If you're all out of molasses, dark corn syrup can be used as a substitute, but bear in mind it'll subtly alter the flavour profile. You might lose that deep, rich, almost treacle like undertone.

For an extra layer of flavour, try adding a tablespoon of maple syrup to the dough, which works particularly well with the spice mix in these cookies.

Can I freeze the gingerbread cookie dough for later use?

Yes, you certainly can! Wrap the gingerbread cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and then roll it out and bake as directed in the recipe almost as simple as grabbing a packet of biscuits from the shops!