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Gingerbread Cookies Recipe: Easy Tender Holiday Treat with Creamy Icing

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These soft, tender gingerbread cookies are infused with warm spices and sweet molasses, then topped with a creamy icing for the ultimate holiday treat. Perfect for festive gatherings, gifting, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (whole milk or almond milk)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In another large bowl, beat unsalted butter and brown sugar together until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  5. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
  8. Place cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set and centers look just firm.
  9. Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  11. Once cookies are cool, spread or drizzle icing on top. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Let icing set for 30 minutes before stacking or storing.

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a tablespoon of milk if the dough seems dry. For vegan adaptation, substitute butter with vegan sticks, egg with flaxseed egg, and milk with plant-based milk. Sift dry ingredients for a smooth dough and avoid overmixing for tender cookies. Chilling the dough prevents spreading and enhances flavor. Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, soft gingerbread, creamy icing, festive dessert, molasses cookies, spiced cookies

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/gingerbread-cookies-recipe-easy-tender-holiday-treat-with-creamy-icing/