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gingerbread cookies

Close-up shot of delicious homemade gingerbread cookies

These classic gingerbread cookies are perfect for the holidays! Decorate them with your favorite icing and sprinkles for a festive treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  4. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
  7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
  8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.

Notes

For softer cookies, bake for a shorter amount of time. For crispier cookies, bake for a longer amount of time.