Gingerbread Cookies Recipe: 3 Festive Variations to Sweeten Your Christmas

This classic gingerbread cookies recipe is perfect if you want a traditional holiday treat with rich spices and a warm flavor. It is simple to follow and gives you soft cookies with a slightly crisp edge.

Ingredients:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tablespoon ground ginger

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 3/4 cup butter, softened

- 3/4 cup brown sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1/2 cup molasses

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until all the spices are well combined.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix until everything blends smoothly.

4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.

5. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour so it becomes firm and easier to roll.

6. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) while preparing your workspace.

7. Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes.

8. Place the cookies on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one, and bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are slightly firm.

9. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating so the icing will not melt.

This gluten-free gingerbread cookies recipe is great for people who avoid gluten but still want to enjoy a tasty holiday treat. The cookies come out soft, slightly chewy, and full of warm spices.

Ingredients:

- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend

- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (skip if already included in the flour mix)

- 1 tablespoon ground ginger

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon cloves

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 3/4 cup butter, softened

- 3/4 cup brown sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1/2 cup molasses

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until all ingredients are evenly blended.

2. In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla, then mix until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.

4. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.

5. Chill the dough for 1 hour to help it firm up and make rolling easier.

6. Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F) while you prepare your baking area.

7. Roll the dough on a floured surface, cut into shapes, and place them carefully on a baking sheet.

8. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.

9. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating so they stay firm and do not break.

This no-molasses gingerbread cookies recipe is perfect if you want the gingerbread flavor but prefer a lighter sweetness. The cookies still have warm spices but use honey instead of molasses.

Ingredients:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tablespoon ground ginger

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon cloves

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 3/4 cup butter, softened

- 3/4 cup brown sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1/2 cup honey

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until the spices are well mixed.

2. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy.

3. Add the egg, honey, and vanilla, then mix again until everything blends smoothly.

4. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

5. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour so it becomes firmer and easier to roll.

6. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) while you prepare your baking space.

7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface, then cut it into fun shapes using cookie cutters.

8. Place the shapes on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges look slightly firm.

9. Cool the cookies completely before icing to make sure the icing stays smooth and does not melt.

This simple icing recipe for gingerbread cookies is great for adding a sweet touch to your holiday treats. It is easy to make and perfect for decorating cookies in any style you like.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 2 tablespoons milk

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Add the powdered sugar to a bowl, breaking up any lumps so the icing becomes smooth.

2. Slowly add the milk while stirring until the mixture turns into a thick, smooth icing.

3. Add the vanilla extract and mix again to blend the flavor evenly.

4. If the icing is too thick, add a small amount of milk and mix until you reach the right texture.

5. If the icing becomes too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it.

6. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to decorate your cookies with simple lines, dots, or fun designs.