Description
Warm spices dance through this classic gingerbread recipe, bringing memories of festive holiday kitchens. Molasses and rich brown sugar create a comforting treat that wraps you in nostalgic flavors of home-baked comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) dark brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup (240 milliliters) dark molasses
- 12 tablespoons (170 grams) butter, room temperature
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting/Glaze Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, room temperature
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients including flour, brown sugar, baking soda, aromatic spices, and salt, ensuring thorough blending.
- Incorporate softened butter into the dry mixture, using fingertips to create a texture resembling fine, sandy crumbs.
- Gradually introduce molasses and milk, gently stirring until the dough coheres without overmixing.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, then wrap individually and refrigerate for 2 hours to enhance flavor and improve texture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough portion to approximately 1/8-inch thickness, using cookie cutters to create desired shapes.
- Transfer cut-out cookies to prepared baking sheets, then briefly chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes, watching carefully until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft, ensuring a tender texture.
- Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely before decorating.
- Prepare frosting by whipping butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy, then embellish cookies using piping or spreading techniques.
Notes
- Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking.
- Dust rolling surface lightly with flour to prevent sticky dough and ensure smooth cookie cutting.
- Rotate baking sheets halfway through cooking to guarantee even browning and consistent texture.
- Swap molasses for maple syrup if seeking a milder, slightly different flavor profile for those who find molasses intense.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-11 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 296
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 178 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg