Description
Gingerbread cookies from Germany bring warmth and spice to holiday celebrations. Molasses, cinnamon, and ginger create a rich, comforting treat that connects you with traditional Christmas cheer.
Ingredients
Scale
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Primary Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (375 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup (113 grams) butter, softened
- 0.75 cup (170 grams) brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) molasses
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.75 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
Leavening and Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Simple Gingerbread Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) powdered sugar
- 1 to 1.5 tablespoons (15 to 22.5 milliliters) milk
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing vessel, whisking flour, baking soda, aromatic spices, and sea salt until evenly blended.
- Utilize a stand mixer to cream butter and brown sugar, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
- Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter blend, mixing thoroughly until a cohesive liquid forms.
- Slowly introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet components, gently stirring on low speed until a uniform dough develops.
- Seal the dough in an airtight container and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for minimum one hour, enabling flavors to meld and texture to firm.
- Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cookie distribution.
- Shape the chilled dough into uniform spheres using a cookie scoop, ensuring consistent sizing.
- Arrange dough balls on the prepared sheet, maintaining sufficient spacing to prevent merging during baking.
- Bake until cookie tops appear set and edges slightly golden, approximately 9-11 minutes.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for brief moments to stabilize, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Optional: Create a delicate glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk, drizzling gracefully over completely cooled cookies.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly to enhance flavor depth and prevent spreading during baking.
- Roll cookies in granulated sugar before baking for a delightful sparkly, crackly exterior that adds extra sweetness.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to help them set and prevent breaking when transferred.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain soft, chewy texture.
- Customize by adding optional glaze or dusting with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
- Freezer-friendly dough can be prepared ahead and stored for up to 3 months, perfect for spontaneous baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg