Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Classic Gingerbread Cookies are warmly spiced, soft yet slightly crisp cookies made with molasses and a blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—perfect for holiday baking and decorating.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24–30 cookies (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Optional: royal icing or sprinkles for decorating
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just firm.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with icing or sprinkles once cooled, if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and improves flavor.
- Adjust baking time for softer or crisper cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze undecorated cookies for longer storage.
- Great for cookie exchanges, gifts, or decorating with kids.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: gingerbread cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, spiced cookies, molasses cookies, gingerbread men