The air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and the scent of warm spices fills the kitchen – it must be Christmas time! And no holiday celebration is complete without the timeless classic: gingerbread. This simple, yet utterly delightful Christmas gingerbread recipe is destined to become a new family tradition.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that practically melts in your mouth, bursting with the comforting flavors of molasses, ginger, and a hint of cinnamon. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and the patter of little feet racing to the tree. This is the kind of recipe that sparks joy, creates lasting memories, and leaves you craving more with every bite.
Whether you’re baking up a batch to leave out for Santa, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging in a little self-care, this Christmas gingerbread recipe is sure to become a beloved holiday staple. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the magic of homemade gingerbread goodness!
🍪 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe ?
What sets this Christmas gingerbread recipe apart is the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and tender texture. The molasses provides a deep, rich flavor that’s complemented by the warm notes of ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of clove. And the secret to its irresistible chewiness? A combination of bread flour and brown sugar that creates a delightfully soft, yet satisfying cookie.
But the real magic happens in the baking process. As the dough bakes, the edges develop a subtle crunch, while the centers remain deliciously soft and pillowy. It’s a textural experience that will have you reaching for just one more cookie – only to find the plate mysteriously empty. Trust us, these gingerbread treats are that good.
Ingredients
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
The choice of bread flour in this recipe is key. Unlike all-purpose flour, bread flour contains more gluten, which helps create a chewier, more structured cookie. The additional gluten also contributes to the dough’s ability to hold its shape, resulting in those perfectly defined gingerbread men or other festive shapes.
As for the spices, the classic trio of ginger, cinnamon, and clove is essential for that quintessential gingerbread flavor. The ginger provides a warm, slightly spicy punch, the cinnamon adds a touch of holiday comfort, and the clove lends a subtle complexity that ties it all together.
Instructions
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bread flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the brown sugar and butter together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses until well combined.
- Combine the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough texture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days). Chilling the dough is essential for developing the gluten structure and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, transferring them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 8-10 minutes
• Cooling time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 24 servings.
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Sodium: 119 mg
• Carbohydrates: 22.3 g
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
🤩 Creative Twists and Variations
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use a flax or chia egg in place of the regular egg. You may also want to consider adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or ground black pepper along with the other spices. For a more intense heat, try adding a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the dough.
🍽️ Elevate Your Meal with These Serving Tips
• Garnish Suggestions: Dust the cooled cookies with a light coating of powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Beverage Pairing: These gingerbread treats pair wonderfully with a crisp apple cider or a rich, creamy eggnog.
⚠️ Troubleshooting Common Recipe Issues
• Mistake 2 – Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much during baking, losing their defined shape. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days) to allow the gluten to relax and the flavors to develop.
• Mistake 3 – Using Expired Spices: Stale or outdated spices can significantly impact the flavor of your gingerbread cookies. Check the expiration dates on your spices and replace any that have been sitting in the pantry for too long.
🧊 Smart Storage for Maximum Flavor
• Freezing: Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling, cutting, and baking as directed. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
• Reheating: If you’d like to warm up the cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges.
❓ FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
While you can substitute all-purpose flour for the bread flour, the cookies may not have the same chewy texture. The higher protein content in bread flour helps create a more structurally sound and satisfying gingerbread cookie. If using all-purpose flour, you may need to chill the dough for longer to prevent excessive spreading.
How can I get perfectly flat gingerbread men?
To ensure your gingerbread men (or other shapes) hold their form during baking, be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting. You can also try rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain an even thickness. When transferring the cut-out shapes to the baking sheet, be gentle to avoid distorting the shapes.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! This gingerbread dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The longer chill time actually helps develop the flavors and improve the texture. When ready to bake, simply roll, cut, and bake as directed.
How can I get a shiny, crackled appearance on the cookies?
For a beautiful, shiny crackle on the surface of your gingerbread cookies, try brushing them with a simple egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking. The egg wash will help create a delightful cracked effect as the cookies spread and rise in the oven.
Can I decorate the cookies with icing or other toppings?
Absolutely! These gingerbread cookies are the perfect canvas for all sorts of decorative toppings. Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can get creative with royal icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small candies. Just be sure to let the icing or decorations set completely before stacking or storing the cookies.
🎄 A Final Word from Our Kitchen
As you gather your loved ones around the table to enjoy these magical Christmas gingerbread cookies, remember that the real gift is the time spent together. Baking is an act of love, and these treats are sure to bring joy, warmth, and a touch of holiday cheer to all who partake. So grab a glass of mulled wine, put on your favorite Christmas playlist, and get ready to make some lasting memories. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
The Best Simple Christmas Gingerbread Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the bread flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the brown sugar and butter together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough texture.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days). Chilling the dough is essential for developing the gluten structure and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, transferring them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
