Classic gingerbread cookies made with molasses and warm spices. Easy to roll, great for decorating, and perfect for holiday baking.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8–10 mins
Additional Time: 1 hr (chilling)
Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 24 cookies
Tools/Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (optional, for creaming butter and sugar)
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg and molasses and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between cookies.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes/ Tips
Watch for:
Dough should be firm but still workable after chilling. If it feels sticky, chill it a bit longer before rolling.
Texture:
Bake 8 minutes for softer cookies, 10 minutes for firmer edges.
Common mistake:
Skipping the chill time will make the dough harder to handle and cause cookies to spread.
Decorating:
Let cookies cool completely before adding icing or toppings.
Variations:
Substitute honey or maple syrup for molasses for a milder flavor.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Was this post helpful? Leave a comment below!
