These gingerbread cookies offer a delightful blend of traditional holiday spices and rich molasses, creating a perfect treat for the festive season. With just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of spice, each cookie is crafted to have a soft, yet slightly crisp texture. Whether for a cozy family gathering or as a fun baking project, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.
Why You'll Love This:
- Perfect Spice Blend: Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves offer a warm, inviting aroma and taste.
- Rich Molasses Flavor: The addition of molasses gives these cookies a deep, caramelized sweetness.
- Ideal Texture: Soft with a slight crispness, perfect for gingerbread lovers.
- Fun to Make: A great baking activity for families, especially when it comes to cutting out gingerbread men shapes.
- Festive Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or as a delightful snack with a cup of tea or hot cocoa.
Ingredients for about 15 cookies:
- 6 tbsp butter, room temperature (but still a bit cold)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp molasses, divided
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat together butter and sugars. If it's crumbly, use your hands to bring it together.
- Add 1/2 cup molasses, vanilla, and egg yolk. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides with a spatula.
- Mix in the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Start combining with your hands until it begins to form dough.
- Incorporate the remaining molasses, continuing to mix with your hands until the dough is formed (it may be slightly crumbly).
- On a floured surface, shape the dough into a ball and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the tops appear dry and the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies set on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Enjoy these classic Gingerbread Cookies, a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire! 🍪🎄✨
