Gingerbread Cookies
These crisp gingerbread cookies have the perfect balance of warm spice and subtle sweetness. They hold their shape beautifully when cut with cookie cutters, making them ideal for holiday baking with kids or festive gatherings.
Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Decorations: icing, sprinkles, or mini M&Ms
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream butter, sugar, and egg
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and egg together until smooth.
Step 3: Add molasses and vanilla
Pour in the molasses and vanilla and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Add dry ingredients gradually
Add the dry ingredients in two portions, mixing on low speed until evenly incorporated.
Step 5: Chill the dough
Divide the dough in half, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
Step 6: Shape and bake
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line sheet pans with parchment.
Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into shapes, decorate if desired, and bake 10 to 12 minutes, removing them before the edges darken.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Crisp gingerbread cookies can be enjoyed in many ways because their sturdy texture and balanced spice profile pair well with both beverages and sweets. They work exceptionally well as a holiday cookie platter addition and are festive enough to stand alone as a gift.
- Serve alongside hot cocoa, warm cider, or spiced tea.
- Dip half of each baked cookie in melted dark chocolate for an elegant variation.
- Crumble a few cookies over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping.
- Package them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts.
- Pair with peppermint bark, chocolate crinkle cookies, or almond shortbread on a holiday dessert table.
Pro Tips
- Keep the dough cold to ensure sharp cookie-cutter edges and prevent spreading.
- If dough becomes sticky, knead in a small amount of flour, but do not overwork it.
- For cookies that stay crisp, store them uncovered for the first 24 hours, then transfer to an airtight container.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cookie | 80 | 1g | 15g | 2g | 1g | 7g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Consult a nutrition professional for precise dietary needs.
FAQs
Should gingerbread cookie dough be sticky?
A slight stickiness is normal because of the molasses. Chilling solves this.
How do I make the cookies softer instead of crisp?
Roll the dough thicker and bake 1 to 2 minutes less.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling.
Why did my cookies puff up?
Overmixing or too much baking powder can cause the dough to rise too much.
How do I get very clean cookie cutter edges?
Roll chilled dough, dip cutters lightly into flour, press firmly, and lift straight up.
Crisp Gingerbread Cookies
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Thin, crisp gingerbread cookies with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Great for cut-outs, decorating, or gifting.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp salt
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
2 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings like mini M&Ms or icing
Instructions
1. Whisk together flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Beat butter, sugar, and egg until smooth.
3. Add molasses and vanilla; mix well.
4. Add dry ingredients in batches; mix on low.
5. Divide dough, wrap, and chill for 2+ hours.
6. Roll out dough 1/4-inch thick on floured surface.
7. Cut into shapes; transfer to lined baking sheets.
8. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until edges darken.
9. Cool completely on racks and decorate as desired.
Notes
Freeze dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 3 minutes to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 58mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 9mg










