Best Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

why make this recipe

Gingerbread cookies are a timeless treat that bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion, especially during the holiday season. This recipe combines rich flavors of spices and a touch of molasses to create a delightfully chewy cookie that will fill your home with an inviting aroma. Making these cookies allows you to share a piece of tradition with your loved ones, while also providing a fun baking activity for the whole family. They are perfect for decorating, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

how to make The Best Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients :

• 2/3 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
• 1 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions :

1. Whisk together the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, then set it aside.
2. In a mixer bowl, combine the canola oil, molasses, and brown sugar. Mix well.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, one cup at a time, mixing until well combined.
5. The dough will be quite sticky. Transfer it to a heavily floured surface and, using floured hands, work in more flour until the dough is not sticky.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but it’s best to leave it overnight.
7. Preheat your oven to 350˚ F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out cookie shapes.
8. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets for about 8 minutes or until the cookies just begin to crack.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 2 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

how to serve The Best Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies can be enjoyed plain or decorated with icing and sprinkles. They make a festive addition to any dessert table or can be packed neatly in a box or jar to give as gifts. Pair them with milk, tea, or coffee for a delightful treat during your holiday gatherings.

how to store The Best Gingerbread Cookies

Store your gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper and seal them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

tips to make The Best Gingerbread Cookies

• Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• For added flavor, you can mix in some finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
• If you prefer crispy cookies, roll the dough thinner and bake them a minute or two longer.
• To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.

variation

For a peppermint gingerbread cookie, add crushed peppermint candies to the dough or sprinkle them on top of the icing. You can also try adding orange zest for a citrusy twist or using whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar if you prefer a milder flavor.

2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

3. How long do these cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can last for about a week. If frozen, they can last for several months.

Gingerbread Cookies

Delightfully chewy gingerbread cookies filled with rich spices and molasses, perfect for the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cookies

• 2/3 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
• 1 cup dark brown sugar or light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Whisk together the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, then set it aside.
• In a mixer bowl, combine the canola oil, molasses, and brown sugar. Mix well.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
• Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, one cup at a time, mixing until well combined.
• The dough will be quite sticky. Transfer it to a heavily floured surface and, using floured hands, work in more flour until the dough is not sticky.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but it's best to leave it overnight.

Baking

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out cookie shapes.
• Bake on ungreased cookie sheets for about 8 minutes or until the cookies just begin to crack.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 2 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. For added flavor, you can mix in some finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips. If you prefer crispy cookies, roll the dough thinner and bake them a minute or two longer. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.

Keyword Baking, Christmas Treats, Dessert Recipes, Gingerbread Cookies, Holiday Cookies