It’s that time of year again when the air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and the scent of freshly baked Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing fills the kitchen. Growing up, this was always one of my favorite holiday traditions. I can still remember standing on a stool next to my grandma, dusting the counter with flour as we rolled out the dough and carefully cut out the little gingerbread men. The sweet aroma of the spices would waft through the house, and I’d eagerly wait for the cookies to finish baking so I could decorate them with the simple yet delicious icing.
Those Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing were the highlight of the season for me. There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about that classic flavor combination. And you know what they say – the secret ingredient is love. Well, my grandma’s Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing were made with plenty of that! To this day, I can’t smell gingerbread without being transported back to those cherished memories in her kitchen.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. These Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing are not only delicious, but they’ll also fill your home with that wonderful holiday aroma and bring a smile to your face. Trust me, they’re going to become your new go-to holiday treat!
Why This Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing
The key to these Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing is in the perfect balance of spices and the technique for creating that beautifully soft, chewy texture. I’ve perfected the recipe over the years, and I can confidently say that these are the best Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing you’ll ever taste. The secret lies in letting the dough chill for just the right amount of time and being careful not to overbake the cookies. And of course, the simple icing is the perfect finishing touch, adding a delightful sweetness that complements the gingerbread flavor perfectly.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: This provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
- Brown sugar: For a deeper, more complex sweetness.
- Molasses: The star ingredient that gives Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing their signature flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough together.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookies a slight lift and chewy texture.
- Ground ginger: Brings that classic gingerbread taste.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- Cloves: A subtle spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Confectioners’ sugar: For the simple yet delectable icing.
- Milk: Helps create the perfect icing consistency.
Step-by-Step Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing Instructions
Preparing Your Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing
These Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing are surprisingly easy to make, and the total time from start to finish is just under an hour. You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, and a baking sheet. Let’s get started!
1- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
3- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days).
4- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
5- Carefully transfer the shaped cookies to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
6- Allow the Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the simple icing.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days) – this helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Don’t overbake the cookies – they should still be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Use high-quality molasses for the best flavor.
- Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Decorate the Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing with sprinkles, candies, or additional icing for a festive touch.
Serving and Storing Your Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing
Perfect Pairings for Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing
Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing are the perfect holiday treat to enjoy with a warm mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make a great addition to holiday gift baskets or cookie exchanges. Serve them alongside other Christmas classics like shortbread cookies, peppermint bark, or homemade eggnog for a truly festive spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature.
You can also make the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it easy to whip up a fresh batch of Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing whenever the craving strikes!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing
Creative Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put a twist on classic Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing. Try adding a touch of orange zest or a hint of vanilla extract to the dough. You could also experiment with different shapes, like Christmas trees, stars, or snowflakes. For a pop of color, decorate the cookies with royal icing and colorful sprinkles.
Making Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing Diet-Friendly
To make these Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk in the icing. And if you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the dough and use a sugar-free powdered sweetener for the icing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute molasses with something else?
A: While molasses is the key ingredient that gives Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing their signature flavor, you can try using dark corn syrup or honey as a substitute in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Q: How long should I chill the dough?
A: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. You can even make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze the baked Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing?
A: Absolutely! Baked and cooled Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: The Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing are ready when the edges just start to turn golden brown, usually after 8-10 minutes of baking. They may still look a bit soft in the center, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Q: Can I use a different type of icing besides the simple powdered sugar icing?
A: Definitely! While the simple icing is a classic pairing, you can get creative with other types of icing, like royal icing, cream cheese frosting, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of homemade gingerbread cookies, complemented by a simple yet delectable icing. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or enjoying as a cozy treat any time of year.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup molasses
Instructions
1. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. – In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. – Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. – Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
6. – Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. – Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
8. – Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For the icing, mix 1 1/2 cups of confectioners’ sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency. Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cookies. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing are a holiday classic that will fill your home with warmth and nostalgia. This recipe is sure to become your new go-to, with its perfect balance of spices, chewy texture, and delightful icing. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, giving them as gifts, or enjoying them on a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some holiday magic with these delectable Gingerbread Cookies With Simple Icing. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you!