Description
Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced—these classic American gingerbread cookies are an easy homemade treat for the holidays. A must-bake for Christmas!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup molasses (NOT blackstrap)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Gingerbread Spice Mix:
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar on medium-high until creamy.
Add egg, molasses, vinegar, and vanilla; mix until fully combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
If chilled overnight, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling.
Cut Out the Cookies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on floured surface.
Cut out desired shapes and place on lined baking sheets 1 inch apart.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake medium cookies for 8–10 minutes, large for 12–14 minutes, and small for 6–8 minutes.
Cookies should spring back slightly when touched.
Cool on baking sheet briefly, then transfer to wire rack.
Decorate (Optional):
Mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice, water, or half-and-half.
Use a squeeze bottle or piping bag to decorate.
Notes
Use 2 tbsp + 1¼ tsp of pre-mixed gingerbread spice if desired.
Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
Bake similar-sized cookies together for even baking.
Makes approx. 45–50 medium cookies or 16 large ones.
Recipe can be halved (use ½ beaten egg).
Storage:
Store undecorated cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Decorated cookies last slightly less.
Freezing Tips:
Dough: Wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
Baked Cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies in layers with wax paper for up to 3 months. Thaw on counter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American