Easy Gingerbread Cookies

There’s something nostalgic about baking Easy Gingerbread Cookies during the fall season. Each year, when the first chill hits the air, I find myself longing for the sweet, spicy aroma that fills my kitchen as the cookies bake. These cookies remind me of my childhood, when my family would gather around the table, laughing and crafting delightful shapes that would eventually decorate our home for the holidays. Whether it’s the joy of rolling out the dough or the satisfaction of watching them rise in the oven, the process of making these cookies is as fulfilling as the end result. The delightful mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey creates a warm hug in cookie form. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

What to Gather for Easy Gingerbread Cookies

When it comes to baking Easy Gingerbread Cookies, the magic lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the sweet honey that adds moisture to the dry flour that provides structure. The combination of warm spices creates that iconic flavor profile we all adore during the festive season.

• 250g Honey – Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cookie dough, ensuring a soft texture.
• 100g Brown Sugar – Contributes to the rich flavor and helps create a chewy texture.
• 1 tsp Cinnamon – A staple in many holiday recipes, adding warmth and aromatic flavor.
• 1 Nutmeg – Enhances the cookie’s spiciness, complementing other spices beautifully.
• 1 Cardamom Powder – Provides a unique, sweet, and spicy flavor that elevates the cookie.
• 1 Star Anise – Adds a hint of licorice flavor, deepening the complexity of the cookies.
• 1 tbsp Cocoa – Introduces a subtle chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness.
• 100g Butter – Essential for richness and tenderness in the cookie dough.
• 500g Flour – The foundation of the cookie, giving it structure and body.
• 1 Egg – Acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together.
• 1 tsp Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• 1 tsp Baking Powder – Provides leavening, making the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• 1 Egg White – Used for making the icing, adding gloss and helping it hold its shape.
• 250g Powdered Sugar – The key ingredient for creating a smooth and sweet icing.
• 2-3 Drops Lemon Juice – Adds brightness to the icing and helps it set.
• Colored Candies – Perfect for decorating your cookies and making them festive.

Directions for Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Getting those Easy Gingerbread Cookies ready is an enjoyable task that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas! Follow these steps to create a batch that will impress everyone.

1. Begin by placing the honey and brown sugar into a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the ingredients melt together into a smooth mixture, which will take around 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
2. Once melted, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, star anise, butter, and cocoa. Stir continuously until everything is well combined and homogeneous. The scent will be absolutely heavenly!
3. Take the saucepan off the heat and remove the star anise. Allow the mixture to cool for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is important; you don’t want to cook the egg in the next step!
4. Once cooled, gently beat the egg and fold it into the honey mixture. Make sure to combine well, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, sift the flour along with salt and baking powder. Make a well in the center and pour in the liquid mixture. Start mixing gently, making sure not to overwork the dough.
6. As you knead the dough, it may seem slightly sticky. Don’t worry; that’s perfectly fine! You want it to be moist. Just knead until it comes together, forming a soft dough.
7. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. This wait allows the flavors to meld and makes rolling out easier the next day.
8. When ready, divide the dough into two parts. Roll out each half on a floured surface to about 0.5 to 0.7 mm thick. Cut into your desired shapes, whether they be hearts, stars, or festive bells.
9. Line a baking tray with baking paper and preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 Fahrenheit). Once preheated, place your cookie shapes on the tray.
10. Bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; you want them to be soft and chewy. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the tray for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
11. For the icing, mix the egg white with a pinch of salt and 2 to 3 drops of lemon juice. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until you achieve a creamy consistency that holds its shape.
12. Decorate each cooled gingerbread with the icing and sprinkle with colored candies for that festive touch. Enjoy your homemade Easy Gingerbread Cookies!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Baking is as much an art as it is a science. Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Gingerbread Cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with the spices. Adding a bit of ginger can give an extra zing!
• Icings: For an alternative to the glaze, try fondant or chocolate icing for different flavors and textures.
• Serving: These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, school events, or as gifts for friends and family.
• Quality ingredients: Use high-quality spices and butter for the best flavor.

Serving Options for Easy Gingerbread Cookies

When it comes to serving Easy Gingerbread Cookies, the options are endless! Here are some delightful ways to present them:

• Holiday Platters: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter to impress your guests during gatherings.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in beautiful boxes tied with ribbons for heartfelt gifts that spread holiday cheer.
• Tea Parties: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Decorative Jars: Fill jars with cookies to create charming centerpieces for your holiday table.
• Festive Events: Perfect for Christmas parties or school events where treats are shared.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Enjoy these cookies not just during Christmas but throughout the fall season.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Gingerbread Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a delightful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories. Whipping up a batch of these cookies is a wonderful way to bring family and friends together and fill your home with the comforting aromas of the holidays. I encourage you to try making them, whether for a festive gathering or just a cozy evening at home. You’ll love every bite!

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Indulge in the warmth of the season with these Easy Gingerbread Cookies. Their delightful spices and sweet glaze make them a favorite for festive celebrations. Perfectly soft and flavorful, these cookies are meant to be shared and enjoyed!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 250g grams Honey
• 100g grams Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 none Nutmeg
• 1 none Cardamom Powder
• 1 none Star Anise
• 1 tbsp Cocoa
• 100g grams Butter
• 500g grams Flour
• 1 none Egg
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 none Egg White
• 250g grams Powdered Sugar
• 2-3 drops Lemon Juice
• Colored Candies

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Place the honey and brown sugar on low heat. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, star anise, butter, and cocoa and heat until the mixture is homogeneous, and the sugar and butter are completely melted. Take the mixture off the heat, remove the star anise, and set aside for 3-4 minutes. Beat the egg gently then fold into the honey mixture. Sift the flour together with the salt and baking powder and make a well in the center. Pour the liquid mixture into the well and start kneading. You will get a homogeneous dough that is slightly sticky. But don't worry if it doesn't come off your fingers very easily; just leave it like that. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill overnight. It can be left in the fridge for 2-3 days. Divide the dough in two and roll out a sheet of each piece, not too thin – about 0.5-0.7mm thick or 0.02-0.03 inch, then cut the dough into the desired shapes. I used little hearts, stars, and bells as that's what we had in the house. Line a baking tray with baking paper and preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 Fahrenheit). Place the shapes on the tray and bake for 7-8 minutes, taking out before it changes color. Remove from the oven, leave on the tray for 2-3 minutes (as it will be quite soft) then carefully transfer to a cooling rack. For the garnish, mix egg white with a pinch of salt and 2-3 drops of lemon juice. Add the powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. You should have a creamy glaze that doesn't lose its shape. Add more sugar if necessary. Decorate each gingerbread with the icing and colored sugar balls. Enjoy!

Notes

Tip 1: Store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Tip 2: You can freeze baked cookies for up to three months!

Tip 3: Decorate with different icings or sprinkles for a fun twist!

Tip 4: Use high-quality spices for the best flavor.

Tip 5: Enjoy with tea or coffee for a cozy treat!

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Meet Nora Wells

The Hearth Keeper For me, cooking is about hospitality. I want every recipe we create to make people feel welcome and safe. I love the old ways of cooking cast iron skillets, wooden spoons, and recipes passed down through generations. I work with the team to add that touch of nostalgia to our dishes. Whether we are making a modern pasta or a vintage cake, I’m there to ensure it tastes like home.