Delicious Homemade Gingerbread Cookies

These homemade gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite. With warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies are perfect for festive occasions. The dough is easy to make and can be rolled out and cut into your favorite shapes. Decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain. These cookies are a delightful treat that will fill your home with the scent of the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
9. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining dough.
13. Once the cookies have cooled completely, decorate them with icing if desired.
14. Store in an airtight container to keep the cookies fresh.

Interesting Facts