These bakery-style gingerbread cookies are soft, sweet, and packed with warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. They come out looking like little works of art with festive shapes!
I can’t resist the smell of these baking in the oven! They make the perfect treat to share with friends and family, especially around the holidays. Get ready for a cookie decorating party! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main base for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It’ll still give good structure and texture!
Molasses: It gives a deep flavor and moisture. If you can’t find molasses, try substituting with dark corn syrup or honey. It will change the flavor a little but will still be tasty!
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are fantastic for flavor. If you’re missing one or two, don’t worry! You can use a pre-mixed spice blend like pumpkin pie spice for a simple solution.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here for richness. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Just make sure it’s softened!
What’s the Best Way to Roll and Cut Cookie Dough?
Rolling and cutting cookie dough can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Start with chilled dough; it’s easier to roll out and keeps its shape when baking.
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking, and also dust your rolling pin.
- Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thick. If it’s sticking, add a touch more flour, but not too much!
- Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies, pressing down firmly. If you’re using a round cutter, twist it slightly to ensure a clean cut.
- Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet with enough space between them so they don’t stick together while baking.
With these tips, your cookies will be perfectly shaped and ready for those sweet decorations!
Bakery-Style Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For decoration: white royal icing or white chocolate chips (for dots)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful recipe will take about 20 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes to bake, plus chilling time of at least 2 hours. You might want to set aside a total of around 2 hours and 30 minutes to make these fantastic cookies, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Dry Ingredients:
Start by gathering a medium bowl. Add your flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Use a whisk to combine these ingredients well, then set the mix aside for later use.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and brown sugar. Using your electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes. So exciting, right?
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the egg, ensuring everything is well combined. Then you’ll add the water, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. It’s starting to smell delicious already!
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, gradually add in the dry ingredients you set aside. Mix just until everything comes together—try not to overmix, as you want your cookies to stay soft!
5. Chill the Dough:
Now it’s time to make your cookie dough manageable. Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each one into a disk shape, wrap them up in plastic wrap, and place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight works even better!
6. Preheat and Prepare:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
Take one disk of chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. This should be perfect for cutting!
8. Cut Your Cookie Shapes:
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or large rounds about 3.5 inches in diameter. Place these lovely shapes on your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
9. Decorate (Optional):
If you like, you can sprinkle some white chocolate chips on top or use royal icing to pipe small dots for decoration. Make them as festive as you wish!
10. Bake to Perfection:
Time to bake! Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges are set but the centers remain soft. They’ll smell absolutely amazing!
11. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before you move them. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Final Touches:
When your cookies are cool, feel free to decorate them with royal icing if you didn’t do it before! Then they’re ready to be enjoyed. Share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
These cookies are soft yet chewy, bursting with spicy ginger and warm flavors from the molasses. With their cute decorations, they’ll definitely look like they came straight from a bakery. Enjoy your baking adventure! 🎄🍪
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Using whole wheat flour will give your cookies a nuttier flavor and a heartier texture. You might want to start with a blend of half all-purpose and half whole wheat to see how you like it.
How Do I Store These Cookies?
Store your cool gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just stack them with parchment paper in between layers, and they’ll last for up to 3 months!
Can I Skip the Chilling Step?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, but if you’re short on time, you can bake them right after mixing. Just roll them into balls and flatten them slightly before placing them on the baking sheet. They may spread a little more, but they’ll still taste great!
What If I Don’t Have Royal Icing?
No worries! If you don’t have royal icing, you can use melted white chocolate or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little water or milk. Just drizzle or dip to add a sweet decorative touch!