Are you craving the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread but intimidated by complicated recipes? Forget those long lists of obscure ingredients and time-consuming techniques! This easy gingerbread cookies recipe skips the molasses, making it a simpler, quicker, and equally delicious alternative perfect for beginner bakers and busy weeknights. These homemade cookies are a delightful treat for the holidays or any time you need a comforting, spicy snack. Get ready to enjoy the best gingerbread cookies you've ever tasted, without the fuss!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results; it saves time and effort.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the dough. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Roll and cut. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes.
Step 7: Bake the cookies. Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and decorate. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, or anything else you like!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the dough: Chilling is crucial for preventing spreading and enhancing flavor.
- Watch baking time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies to avoid burning.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: For a delicious twist, add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other warm spices like cardamom or allspice.
- Make royal icing: Decorate your cookies with a homemade royal icing for a professional look.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 5-7g
This easy gingerbread cookies recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy the holiday spirit. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. The satisfying crunch and warm spices will make these cookies a quick dinner idea or the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot cocoa. Enjoy!