The Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Card is a beloved tradition that brings festive baking to life at home. It lets families unite, sharing moments of kneading and rolling dough together.
It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to make these cookies, with a 20-minute prep time. This makes 36 cookies, ensuring there’s enough for everyone during the holidays.
This recipe creates cookies that are both chewy and crispy. The secret is in the precise measurements and special ingredients used. It includes ½ cup of solid shortening (Crisco), ½ cup of sugar, and ½ cup of molasses.
The dough needs chilling for at least 2 hours, but it can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. After chilling, roll it out to 1/4 inch thick. Then, bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before you start decorating. This keeps their shape perfect for adding your creative designs. It’s crucial not to overmix the dough to keep it just right.
Decoration time brings a chance to make each cookie unique. Whether it’s icing, sprinkles, or other toppings, creativity shines here. This adds a personal touch to each treat.
This recipe has been shared across generations. The author remembered baking with her daughters and now does the same with her granddaughter. Such traditions keep the recipe special and cherished.
These cookies are not just tasty; they carry sentimental value. Decorating cookies uniquely for every 2nd-grader shows the thought put into each one. It’s these details that bring joy and connect us during the holidays.
Whether it’s keeping up a family tradition or starting a new one, the Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Card is a great choice. Its detailed instructions and heartwarming results capture the true spirit of the holiday season.
Gingerbread cookies come with centuries of history, filled with various traditions. They started in ancient Greece in 2400 BC, with the first gingerbread recipe. But, it was in 16th-century Germany that gingerbread men became popular.
Queen Elizabeth I loved elaborate feasts. She had her bakers make gingerbread men shaped like her courtiers. These treats were both funny and showed the Queen’s creativity.
Gingerbread is also tied to German culture. Germany is famous for its baking, especially at Christmas. There, lebkuchen cookies are common. They’re heart-shaped and carry lovely messages, making the holidays special.
In the 1600s, Nuremberg in Germany became the “gingerbread capital of the world.” Its gingerbread, called Nürnberger Lebkuchen, is unique. It even got “protected geographical indication” status from the European Union.
Many immigrants brought gingerbread to America. The German community in Pennsylvania made gingerbread a favorite. It’s now a big part of American holiday traditions.
Gingerbread cookies can bring families together. They’re a way to keep old recipes alive and start new traditions. You can make Queen Elizabeth I’s famous men or German lebkuchen. Baking gingerbread is a fun activity that fills your home with joy and the great smell of cookies.
Making and Decorating Gingerbread Cookies
Making gingerbread cookies is both fun and rewarding. It brings joy and warmth to any kitchen. With simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can make delicious festive treats. These treats will surely impress anyone who tries them. Let’s start making and decorating these wonderful gingerbread cookies!
Recipe Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients:
1 cup (226g) Unsalted Butter
1 cup (224g) Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (112g) Granulated Sugar
1/3 cup (93g) Molasses
2 Large Eggs
1.5 tsp (7.5ml) Vanilla Extract
5 cups (700g) All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp (7.6g) Ground Ginger
1 tsp (6g) Salt
1 Tbsp (7.8g) Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp (4.5g) Baking Powder
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Now, let’s begin with making the dough!
Dough Preparation
Start by creaming together the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Then, mix in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract well after each addition. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder.
Next, slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. You might choose to chill the dough, which makes it easier to handle. Just wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Rolling and Cutting the Dough
Divide the chilled dough into 3 parts. On a floured surface, roll each part to about ¼ inch thick. Then, use a 2.5″ round cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking and Cooling
Bake for 7-8 minutes at 350 degrees F. Watch them closely to avoid overbaking. They should be light golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a bit before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating Options
Now, let’s decorate your gingerbread cookies! Be creative and choose from many options:
Homemade Icing: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together. Add food coloring for bright colors.
Store-Bought Frosting: For convenience, you can use ready-made frosting in different flavors.
Sprinkles, Candies, and Toppings: Use sprinkles, candies, chocolate chips, or edible glitter to make your cookies festive.
Remember, when decorating gingerbread cookies, there are no rules. Use your imagination to create unique designs that show off your style.
Newsletter
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Baking Time
Servings
Dough chilling
7-8 minutes
The recipe yields about 50 cookies when using wooden stamps.
Optional, but recommended
Conclusion
Gingerbread cookies are more than just a treat. They bring families together during the festive season. Making these cookies is a fun way for everyone to bond and feel the Christmas spirit.
These cookies are steeped in history and treasured in family traditions. They have been part of holiday celebrations for centuries. Following traditions of the past, like those of Queen Elizabeth I, connects us to our heritage.
It’s time to gather with your family, play some Christmas music, and decorate cookies together. Savour the amazing taste and smell of gingerbread. Enjoy these homemade sweets that families have loved for generations.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the gingerbread cookie recipe?
You can use salted butter, but unsalted butter is better for controlling the salt in the cookies.
Can I substitute molasses with honey in the gingerbread cookie recipe?
Substituting molasses with honey is fine, but it will change the cookies’ flavor and texture a bit.
How long can I store the baked gingerbread cookies?
Store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Cool them first to keep them crisp.
Can I freeze the gingerbread cookie dough?
Yes, freeze the dough by wrapping it well or using a container. Thaw in the fridge before using.
How long does it take for the gingerbread cookie dough to chill?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before rolling. This makes it easier to handle.
Are gingerbread cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, there are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan recipes. Pick the one that fits your dietary needs.
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