Festive spiced gingerbread cutouts (Print Version)
Tender gingerbread cutouts with warm spices, ideal for holiday decorating and gift-giving.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ 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 unsulfured molasses
13 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Decoration (optional)
14 - Royal icing
15 - Sprinkles or candies
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
02 - Beat softened butter and dark brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
05 - Divide dough in half, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using floured cookie cutters and place them 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
08 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are firm and centers are set. Cool on the sheet for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
09 - Once completely cooled, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cookies get delightfully crisp on the edges while staying tender in the center, making every bite feel like a cozy secret.
- Perfect for sharing and gifting, they turn simple moments into festive celebrations effortlessly.
02 -
- Chilling the dough is not optional; it makes rolling easier and keeps the shapes crisp, a game changer for cutouts.
- Using unsulfured molasses adds depth and a true classic gingerbread flavor that sweeteners can't replicate.
03 -
- Don't skip lightly flouring both your rolling surface and cutters to prevent sticking and broken shapes.
- Chilling the dough overnight elevates the flavor, deepening the spices and creating the perfect texture every time.