The Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

Kick off those ho-ho-holidays with the quintessential festive treat – The Perfect Gingerbread Cookies! These babies ain’t just for decoration, they are the ultimate tasty and fun-to-create treat suitable for every special occasion, particularly during Christmas. Picture yourself biting into a slightly crispy edge giving way to a soft, moist center with a perfect balance of spicy warmth from ginger & cinnamon, then topped off with a sweet icing decoration. Now that’s a party in your mouth, ain’t it?

These ol’ time classic cookies are not just good, they are kick-ass awesome. When they come out of the oven filling the house with that divine comforting aroma, you’ll be instantly transported to holiday heaven. You, dear readers, are gonna fall jingle-bell-over-Christmas-socks in love with these cookies. No joke.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Yield: 2 dozen

So, get ready to roll up your chef sleeves, because we are about to dive into the world of The Perfect Gingerbread Cookies!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Gingerbread man cookie cutter

How To Make The Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add the egg, followed by molasses and vanilla. Mix until well incorporated.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until the dough comes together.
5. Roll the dough out and cut into your desired shapes using your cookie cutter. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for about 7 to 10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are just firm. Cool on wire racks.

Tips For The Best Results

• If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
• Always preheat your oven.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.

Storage Tips

• The dough can be refrigerated for 4 days.
• Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze the dough for later use?
A: Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use.

Q: Can I use honey instead of molasses?
A: Honey will alter the flavor and color, but it can be a substitute if no molasses is available.

Q: My cookies came out too soft. What did I do wrong?
A: It’s likely that they were underbaked. Next time, keep them in a bit longer, until the edges are firm.

Q: Why did my cookies spread out so much?
A: This could be due to warm dough. Try chilling the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before baking.

Q: Can I decorate these cookies?
A: Absolutely! Use royal icing or store-bought icing tubes for fun and festive designs.

Nutritional Facts of The Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

Each cookie roughly contains 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, 22 grams carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein.

So there you have it folks ��� The Perfect Gingerbread Cookies! They’re fun to make, delightful to decorate and simply irresistible to eat. Whether you serve them with a glass of warm milk, or strawberry lemonade, or simply munch them as is, these cookies are a holiday hit! Tis’ the season to be jolly, after all!