Classic Spiced Gingerbread Cookies (Printable)

Classic gingerbread with warm spices, crisp edges, soft center, ideal for holiday decorating and sharing.

# What's Needed:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
06 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/2 cup molasses
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ For Decoration

14 - Royal icing or colored icing pens
15 - Small candies or sprinkles (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
03 - Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
05 - Divide dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into gingerbread men shapes.
08 - Place cutouts 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are just firm. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Once cooled, adorn cookies with royal icing and candies as desired. Allow icing to set before serving.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • This recipe yields cookies with a perfect crisp edge and a soft, chewy center that feels like a cozy hug.
  • The blend of warm spices creates a nostalgic flavor that makes decorating the cookies even more fun and festive.
02 -
  • Chilling the dough is crucial — it prevents spreading and intensifies flavor, so don’t skip this step.
  • Baking just a minute less than usual gives you that soft center which makes these cookies truly addictive.
03 -
  • Use room temperature butter and beat well with sugar to trap air, giving your cookies a lighter texture.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet to avoid tough dough and ensure a tender cookie.

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