Christmas is the perfect time to make gingerbread cookies, a festive classic that brings joy to every holiday celebration. These easy gingerbread cookies are delicious, aromatic, and fun to make with kids. Decorate them for the holidays and share them with family and friends, or even give them as homemade gifts. Follow this simple recipe to bake your own Christmas gingerbread cookies and make your holiday season even sweeter!

If you love traditional Christmas desserts, you can also try our delicious homemade turrón-inspired loaf cake, a unique treat perfect for surprising your loved ones this holiday season!

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies:

• 250g all-purpose flour
• 125g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 100g brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds a special touch)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons honey or molasses (optional, for a deeper flavor)
• For decorating: royal icing (powdered sugar, egg white, and a few drops of water) and colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips

How to Make Easy Gingerbread Cookies:

1. Prepare the dough:

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and honey (or molasses) and continue beating until well combined.
3. Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until you have a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.

2. Chill the dough:

1. Wrap and refrigerate: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help the dough firm up and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

3. Cut out the cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 5mm thick.
3. Cut out the shapes: Use cookie cutters in festive shapes (such as stars, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, etc.) to cut out the cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the cookies:

1. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.
2. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before decorating.

5. Decorate the cookies:

1. Prepare the royal icing: To make royal icing, beat an egg white with a teaspoon of water, then gradually add powdered sugar until it reaches a thick, pipeable consistency. Place the icing in a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small hole at the tip.
2. Decorate: Use the royal icing to decorate the cookies. You can make lines, dots, gingerbread faces, or any other designs you like. Add chocolate chips, colored sprinkles, or dust with colored sugar for extra decoration.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies:

• Use fresh spices: If possible, buy fresh ground spices, as ginger and cinnamon lose their flavor over time.
• Make the cookies thinner: If you prefer crunchier cookies, roll the dough thinner before cutting.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: This is key to preventing the cookies from spreading or deforming while baking.
• Creative decorating: Let the kids decorate the cookies! They can use icing, sprinkles, and candies to personalize them.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week if properly stored.

Why Gingerbread Cookies Are the Perfect Christmas Recipe

Gingerbread cookies are not only delicious, but they also evoke the Christmas spirit with their warm aroma and festive shapes. Plus, they’re an easy recipe to adapt, affordable, and perfect for family fun. You can use them as a holiday activity or even as homemade gifts. They’re a staple in every Christmas celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Gingerbread Cookies:

Q: How do I store gingerbread cookies? A: Store your gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q: Can I make gingerbread cookies ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies and decorate them later.

Share your experience! If you try this recipe, be sure to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #GingerbreadChristmasCookies. We’d love to see how they turned out!