Traditional Holiday Gingerbread Cookies Soft

What kind of recipe is it?

Traditional Holiday Gingerbread Cookies are a festive and aromatic treat, characterized by their warm blend of spices, like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixed with molasses for richness.

These cookies aren’t just delicious but also a fun and interactive activity for families, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

Decorating gingerbread cookies with colorful icing and candy adds a personal touch, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Enjoying these time-honored cookies brings a sense of nostalgia and joy to the holiday season.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	3 1/4 cups
Ground ginger	1 tablespoon
Ground cinnamon	1 tablespoon
Ground nutmeg	1/2 teaspoon
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
Brown sugar	1 cup, packed
Molasses	1/2 cup
Large egg	1
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Royal icing (for decorating)	As needed, usually about 2-3 cups
Decorative candies (for embellishing)	As desired

This table provides all the essential ingredients required to make Traditional Holiday Gingerbread Cookies, ensuring a delightful baking experience for anyone looking to create this festive treat.

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Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Position the oven rack in the center of the oven to guarantee even baking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk together until well blended and set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened unsalted butter and 1 cup packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (approximately 3-4 minutes).

4. Beat in 1 large egg, 1/2 cup molasses, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together (do not overmix). The dough should be slightly sticky and cohesive.

6. Divide the dough into two equal portions; wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up (this helps with rolling and cutting).

7. Remove one portion of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 6 mm (1/4 inch) thickness.

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 5 cm (2 inches) apart.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm and the centers are slightly soft to the touch. The cookies should look golden brown with a fragrant aroma.

9. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the second portion of dough.

11. Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate using royal icing (2-3 cups as needed) and decorative candies as desired for embellishment. Let the icing set before handling.

12. Store the decorated gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Enjoy your festive treat!

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Variations

Spiced Chai Gingerbread Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of chai spice mix (or a blend of cardamom, cloves, and black pepper) for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Coconut Flour Gingerbread (Gluten-Free): Substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup coconut flour (50 g) and increase wet ingredients slightly to compensate for moisture retention.
Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: Replace 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1/2 cup coconut oil (120 ml) and substitute 1 large egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (60 ml) for binding.
Chocolate-Dipped Gingerbread: Melt 200 g dark chocolate and dip half of each cookie in it after cooling for a rich, sweet enhancement.

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Tips on plating and presentation

When you’re ready to showcase your traditional holiday gingerbread cookies, consider how the presentation can elevate the festive spirit of your gathering.

I love using a decorative platter or cake stand, adding festive touches like holly or cranberries.

Arrange cookies in varying heights and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Don’t forget to include cute tags or labels for that extra charm!

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

As I arrange my festive platter of traditional holiday gingerbread cookies, I can’t help but think about how well they pair with a variety of other dishes.

I love serving them alongside creamy cheese platters or spiced nuts for a delightful contrast. They also complement fruit salads or holiday charcuterie boards perfectly, adding a sweet touch to the savory elements.

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What drinks can I pair it with?

What drinks can elevate the experience of savoring traditional holiday gingerbread cookies?

I love pairing them with a rich spiced chai or a warm apple cider; they complement the cookies’ warmth perfectly.

For a touch of sophistication, I’ll sometimes enjoy a glass of port.

If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a creamy vanilla latte can really enhance those delightful flavors.

Enjoy experimenting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for Gingerbread Cookies?

I’ve substituted gluten-free flour in gingerbread cookies, and they turned out great. Just make sure to use a good blend, and adjust the liquid slightly for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy baking!

How Should I Store Leftover Gingerbread Cookies?

I store my leftover gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If I want them to last longer, I freeze some in a freezer-safe bag. They stay delicious and ready to enjoy later!

How Long Do Gingerbread Cookies Last?

Gingerbread cookies usually last about one to two weeks if stored properly. I recommend sealing them in an airtight container to retain their deliciousness, or you can freeze them for longer storage—up to three months!

Yes, I freeze gingerbread cookie dough all the time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It’ll last up to three months, making baking so much easier during the holidays.

What Inspired the Tradition of Making Gingerbread Cookies?

I’ve learned that the tradition of making gingerbread cookies originated in medieval Europe as a way to celebrate the holidays. It’s a wonderful blend of celebration, warmth, and deliciousness that I just adore sharing with loved ones.