Jolly Gingerbread Spice Sugar Cookies

Looking for easy christmas cookies ideas? Try my Jolly Gingerbread Spice Sugar Cookies! Cozy gingerbread flavour with a sweet royal icing glaze. A Christmas baking must-try!

Alright, let's dive into those christmas cookies ideas ! honestly, who doesn't love a good cookie around the holidays? i’m thinking we need something special, something that screams festive cheer but is still manageable for even the most, shall we say, ensoiastic baker.

Jolly Gingerbread Spice Sugar Cookies: A Christmas Delight

These aren't your everyday sugar cookies. we're talking a flavour explosion! think gingerbread spice meets classic sugar cookie sweetness. this recipe is inspired by traditional holiday baking with a little extra festive touch, perfect for sharing.

It takes about 2 hours, chilling included, and makes about 24-30 cookies.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about these cookies is the warm, comforting spice blend. did you know that studies suggest cinnamon, a key ingredient, may help regulate blood sugar? that’s a win-win in my book! these cookies are perfect for a christmas party, a festive bake-off, or just a cosy night in with a cuppa.

Trust me, they are incredibly delicious and really special!

The Perfect Blend of Flavors: Spiced Cookie Goodness

We're talking gooey butter cookies territory here, but with a festive twist. it’s that classic comforting flavor, but with a little christmas magic.

This recipe is about creating a cookie that's both nostalgic and exciting. something that’ll bring back those childhood memories of decorating cookies with your family.

Now, let's get into those ingredients. honestly, most of them are probably already in your cupboard! don’t worry about running to the shops, unless you’ve run out of butter.

Oh my gosh, i once forgot the butter when baking cookies. huge disaster, you know?

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make these Christmas cookies ideas a reality! I’m not gonna lie; it's all about quality, innit? Especially around the festive season!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (281g) . Get a good brand; it makes a difference!
• Baking powder: 1 tsp . Fresh is best!
• Baking soda: 1/2 tsp .
• Spices: 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, cloves, nutmeg each. Freshly ground is phenomenal .
• Salt: 1/4 tsp .
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) , softened. Must be soft .
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) .
• Large egg: 1 .
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp .
• Powdered sugar: 4 cups (480g) , sifted. Essential for smooth icing!
• Meringue powder: 3 tbsp . Helps the icing set nicely.
• Warm water: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Gel food coloring. For the festive splash!

Seasoning Notes

Gingerbread spice combo: cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg. it's christmas in a teaspoon! vanilla extract: adds warmth. sub with almond extract for something different.

Flavor enhancers: a pinch of orange zest in the dough? oh my gosh ... amazing! spice substitutions? cardamom or allspice can sub ginger.

Get creative.

Equipment Needed

Electric mixer. hand-held's fine. muscle power works too, but... nah. rolling pin. any will do, or a clean wine bottle in a pinch! cookie cutters.

Christmas shapes are mandatory, obviously . baking sheets. lined with parchment paper. saves on the washing up! piping bags. or even a ziploc with the corner snipped.

Cheapo-chic!

Right then, that's the lowdown. trust me. get these bits and bobs sorted, and those gooey butter cookies will be a walk in the park.

You can even make a christmas cookie cake with the dough! and when you're done baking, you can add some hot fudge sauce , that will make them even more gooey butter .

If you are looking for cookie recipes gooey , this is it!

Looking for christmas baking recipes ? this jolly gingerbread spice sugar cookie is a great addition! if you are looking for resepi biskut , check out my other recipes for baking ideas.

Don't forget to check my version of ooey gooey butter cookies , they are simply heavenly! remember, christmas cookies ideas are not just about baking; they're about making memories.

So crank up the christmas tunes, and let's get baking!

Okay, let's dive into making these jolly gingerbread spice sugar cookies! get ready for some serious christmas baking recipes action.

I'm gonna spill all my secrets, even the ones i usually keep locked away tighter than my grandma's biscuit tin.

Let's Prep Like Pros!

First, the essential mise en place . honestly, this is french for "get your act together." it means have everything measured out and ready to go.

Flour, spices, butter, sugar – the whole shebang. trust me, it saves your sanity. have those christmas cookies ideas ready to go.

For time-saving organization tips , i like to use these little prep bowls. it's like a tiny assembly line! also, soften your butter! seriously.

Don't even think about skipping this. safety reminder: wash your hands! we're spreading joy, not germs.

Gingerbread Magic: Step-by-Step

Okay, here’s the good stuff!

1. Whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour , 1 tsp baking powder , 1/2 tsp baking soda , 1/2 tsp cinnamon , 1/4 tsp ginger , 1/4 tsp cloves , 1/4 tsp nutmeg , and 1/4 tsp salt .

   Set aside.

2. Cream together 1 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. this is where a stand mixer shines, but a hand mixer works too.

   You could even get a good arm workout!

3. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract . Mix until combined.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix. Remember what I said about tough cookies?

5. Divide the dough in half. Flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. This is crucial!

6. Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness . Cut out your Christmas shapes. Aren't you excited about your christmas cookies ideas!

7. Bake for 8- 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. The visual cue is, they shouldn't look wet.

8. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. Hello to the hot fudge sauce!

Pro Tips for Gingerbread Greatness

Here's a tip: Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough cookies.

A common mistake ? Skimping on the chilling time! Chill them for an hour.

You can make the dough a day ahead! This saves time! Plus, you can create a Christmas cookie cake! .

Honestly, it is the perfect opportunity to try something different, even the resepi biskut that i have found in my travels! i feel that is the perfect time to create something different.

Even if is a gooey butter cookies recipe .

Right, so here are some extra bits for that Jolly Gingerbread Spice Sugar Cookies recipe, as discussed! We want to make sure folks have all the info they need, right?

Recipe Notes

Okay, let's talk turkey. This section is all about making your Christmas Baking Recipes experience smooth as butter... or as gooey as our Gooey Butter Cookies .

Serving Suggestions

Plating these christmas cookies ideas is half the fun! honestly, i love arranging them on a festive platter with a sprinkle of icing sugar.

They look so charming! or, if you're feeling fancy, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. a little hot fudge sauce wouldn't go amiss either, you know? as for drinks, nothing beats a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a cheeky glass of baileys.

Sorted! feeling extra? why not use the cookies to make a christmas cookie cake !

Storage Tips

Right then, storing these little beauties is simple. pop them in an airtight container. they’ll keep in the fridge for about a week.

If you fancy freezing some, and honestly who could blame you, wrap them individually in cling film. then, whack them in a freezer bag.

They'll be good for up to 3 months. to reheat, just let them thaw at room temperature. job's a good'un!

Variations

Fancy a little tweak? for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. honestly, nobody will know the difference. for a dairy-free version, try using a vegan butter alternative.

You know, for those plant-based pals! feeling adventurous with cookie recipes gooey ? switch out some of the spices to match the flavor of a resepi biskut !

Nutrition Basics

Alright, let's keep it real. these christmas cookies ideas are treats. each cookie will set you back roughly 150 calories.

They have about 7g of fat and 20g of carbs. remember, it's all about balance. a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? but hey if you want to feel like a gooey butter rockstar, try a gooey butter cookies recipe , or even better an ooey gooey butter cookies variant.

Right, so now you have all that info you need!

Honestly, don't be scared to experiment, folks. And remember baking should be fun. Get the family involved, put on some Christmas tunes and let's start with these christmas cookies ideas and create some memories! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good christmas cookies ideas if I'm a beginner baker?

For beginners diving into Christmas cookie baking, gingerbread spice sugar cookies are a fantastic choice! They're relatively straightforward, especially if you focus on simple shapes and basic royal icing decorations. Think stars, circles, and simple outlines – like the Mr. Men and Little Miss of the cookie world! Start slow, and remember, even a slightly wonky cookie is a delicious one.

Can I make these christmas cookies ideas ahead of time?

Absolutely! The baked, undecorated cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 2-3 months. For the royal icing, it's best to make it fresh, but any leftover icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Think of it like getting your Christmas shopping done early – less stress later!

How do I prevent my christmas cookies from spreading too much in the oven?

The key to preventing cookie spread is to chill the dough thoroughly! This helps the butter solidify, so it melts more slowly in the oven. Also, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature and avoid over-greasing your baking sheets. Sometimes, a little trick from Great British Bake Off can help – if your kitchen is really warm, try chilling the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before popping them in the oven!

What are some variations I can try with these Gingerbread Spice Sugar Cookies?

Get creative! You can easily customize the flavor by adding lemon zest to the dough for a lemon spice version or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. As for decorating, why not experiment with different sprinkles, edible glitter, or even hand-painted designs? It's like giving your cookies a makeover on "Changing Rooms" – unleash your inner decorator!

What's the best way to store decorated Gingerbread Spice Sugar Cookies?

Once the royal icing is completely dry, store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid stacking them on top of each other, as the icing can smudge. You can also add a piece of parchment paper between layers if you must stack them. Think of them as precious Christmas ornaments – handle with care!

Are there any nutritional considerations I should keep in mind?

Like most Christmas cookies, these are a treat, so moderation is key. They are relatively high in sugar and fat, so be mindful of portion sizes. If you're looking to lighten them up a bit, you could try using a sugar substitute in the dough or reducing the amount of butter. It's all about finding a balance – a little indulgence is perfectly fine during the festive season!

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