Indulge in the warmth and spice of soft gingerbread cookies that fill your home with the delightful aroma of cinnamon and ginger. These cookies are perfect for holidays, cozy gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. With a soft, chewy texture and rich flavor, they are sure to become a favorite treat. Whether decorated with icing or enjoyed plain, these cookies are a festive delight that everyone will love.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 5g
– Saturated Fat: 3g
– Carbohydrates: 17g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional value is based on a standard serving size of one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are firm but the centers are soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Agave syrup or honey can replace molasses, though this will alter the flavor slightly. Additionally, for a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving and Pairings
These soft gingerbread cookies pair beautifully with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Baking at the wrong temperature may lead to dry cookies.
- Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough.
- Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies spreading too much.
- Not using parchment paper can cause sticking.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour for better handling.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
- Try different spices like nutmeg for a unique twist.
- Store cookies with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
How can I make the cookies spicier?
Increase the amount of ground ginger or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! Use royal icing or fondant to create beautiful decorations for any occasion.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
Soft gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. Their rich flavor and tender texture make them perfect for sharing or enjoying alone. Whether you choose to decorate them or keep them simple, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your table and warm your heart.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your hand.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are firm but the centers are soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!