Gingerbread Cookies
Want to impress your holiday guests? Whip up a batch of our Gingerbread Cookies. The soft and chewy texture, coupled with the warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, make these cookies irresistible. Whether you're serving them as an after-dinner treat or packaging them up as gifts, these cookies are sure to spread joy and cheer.
**Ingredients:**
For the Cookie Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Royal Icing (for decorating, optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4-5 tablespoons warm water
- Food coloring (optional)
**Instructions:**
**Making the Gingerbread Cookie Dough:**
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
2. In another mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it's light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the dough is firm.
**Baking the Gingerbread Cookies:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use gingerbread cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough.
4. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to brown.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
**Decorating with Royal Icing (optional):**
1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder.
2. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, and whisk until the mixture reaches a thick but pipeable consistency.
3. If you wish to color the icing, divide it into separate bowls and add food coloring to each.
4. Use a pastry bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped off to pipe the icing onto the cookies. Decorate as desired.
5. Allow the icing to dry and set before storing or serving the cookies.
Enjoy your homemade Gingerbread Cookies, a classic and delicious treat that's perfect for the holiday season!