Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly greasing them.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Molasses and Egg: Add the molasses and egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes—gingerbread men, stars, trees, or any festive shapes you prefer.
- Bake: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly firm. Be cautious not to overbake if you prefer softer cookies.
- Cool and Decorate: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or candies as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange your beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies on a festive plate and serve them as a delightful treat for family and friends.
These classic gingerbread cookies are not only delicious but also a wonderful activity for the whole family during the holiday season. Enjoy the warm, spiced flavors and the joy of homemade treats!
