The aroma of warm gingerbread spices is synonymous with the holiday season. But what if you need a delicious gingerbread cookie recipe that's egg-free? Don't worry, this recipe delivers all the festive flavour and delightful texture you crave, without compromising on taste or ease. Perfect for quick dinner ideas or a festive baking project, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: ½ cup chopped crystallized ginger for extra zing!
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly here, but you can also do this by hand for a good arm workout!
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Add Molasses & Spices: Beat in the molasses. Then, add the baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined. The mixture might seem a bit thick, that's perfectly normal for this recipe.
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Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly lumpy is okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. If using, gently fold in the chopped crystallized ginger.
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Shape & Bake: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary. Smaller cookies will bake faster!
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this ensures proper creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For easier handling and preventing spreading, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. Love ginger? Add a little extra!
Variations:
- Royal Icing: Decorate your cooled cookies with royal icing for a truly festive touch.
- Glaze: A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a touch of milk or molasses adds extra sweetness and shine.
- Add-ins: Experiment with adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavour and texture.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on cookie size and added ingredients. Consider using a nutritional calculator for a precise analysis based on your specific recipe adjustments.
These egg-free gingerbread cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering or a perfect treat to enjoy with a warm mug of milk or cocoa. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the delicious results! They're so easy and delicious, they're sure to become a new family favourite. Happy baking!