Looking for a new dessert recipe to try out this Holiday season? We got you covered with this decadent treat that will be perfect for your guests or to bring to any holiday party! Making gingerbread makes for one of the perfect festive activities, especially if you are looking to bake something fun with the kids. Make sure to have your favorite cookie cutters if you want to make gingerbread men cutouts, snowflakes or candy canes.
Directions:
- Whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves, salt and nutmeg.
- Using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in eggs and molasses, placing mixer on medium speed to combine.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture, and beat on medium-low speed until combined.
- Chill the dough. Divide the dough into two equal portions, and form them each into a ball. Then gently use your hands to flatten each ball into a 1-inch thick disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerator for an hour until the dough is chilled but still slightly flexible.
- Roll and cut the dough. Unwrap one of the discs and place it on a lightly-floured surface. Use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough evenly until it is about 1/8-inch thick. Use your cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, re-rolling the dough as needed to cut out more. Transfer the dough shapes to to a parchment-covered baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are crisp around the edges and on top. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Once the cookies cool, you can decorate them as desired icing and if you wish, toppings like M&M's, sprinkles or chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ginger
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
optional toppings: icing, sprinkles, M&Ms