Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of soft gingerbread cookies. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. With a delightful blend of spices and a soft, chewy texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Follow this easy recipe to create a batch of these irresistible cookies that will fill your home with a delicious aroma.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 150 calories, 6g of fat, 22g of carbohydrates, 1g of protein, and 10g of sugar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add molasses and egg to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, honey can be used in place of molasses for a lighter flavor.
Serving and Pairings
These soft gingerbread cookies are delightful on their own or can be served with a glass of milk or a cup of warm tea. They also pair well with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to poor texture.
- Overbaking will make the cookies hard instead of soft.
- Forgetting to chill the dough can affect the cookie shape.
- Using old spices may diminish flavor.
- Not allowing cookies to cool properly can cause them to break.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
- Try adding chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a festive look.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months, then thaw and bake when ready.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, try adding a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
How do I make the cookies softer?
To make softer cookies, avoid overbaking them and consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries for added flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
Conclusion
Soft gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With their rich blend of spices and chewy texture, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. Try this recipe and enjoy the comfort of homemade cookies any time of year.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light.
- Add honey, egg, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Form small balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your hand.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Let cool before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy your soft gingerbread cookies!