Ah, gingerbread cookies decorated for the holidays! They bring back such warm memories for me. I remember the first time I made them with my grandma. We’d spend hours in the kitchen, the air filled with the spicy scent of ginger and cinnamon. It was like a holiday hug! These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re a canvas for creativity. I love getting my kids involved in decorating them with colorful royal icing and sprinkles. It’s a fun way to celebrate the season and let our imaginations run wild. Trust me, when you bite into that soft, spiced cookie, and see the smiles on your loved ones’ faces, you’ll know you’ve created something special. Now, let’s dive into making these festive treats that will surely brighten up your holiday festivities!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies Decorated
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful gingerbread cookies decorated just in time for the holidays:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing for decoration
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—it makes mixing a breeze! And don’t skimp on the spices; they’re what really give these cookies that cozy holiday flavor. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Gingerbread Cookies Decorated
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making those delicious gingerbread cookies decorated for the holidays! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds!
- First, grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This will be your dry mixture, and it’s super important to get those spices combined evenly!
- In a separate, larger bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until it’s nice and smooth. You can use a mixer or just your good ol’ elbow grease—whichever you prefer!
- Next, add in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and looking deliciously dark and rich.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in parts to avoid a flour explosion! Just mix until everything is combined, and you’ve got a nice, thick dough.
- Here comes the crucial part: chill the dough! Wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s time to get that kitchen smelling amazing!
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes! I love making gingerbread men and stars.
- Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until they feel firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want them to get too brown!
- Once they’re done, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This is important because you don’t want to melt your royal icing when you start decorating!
And voilà! You’re ready to unleash your inner artist with decorating. Can’t wait to see how yours turn out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare, even for novice bakers!
- Filled with warm, festive spices that scream holiday cheer.
- Perfect for decorating with family and friends—let your creativity shine!
- Deliciously soft and flavorful cookies that disappear in no time.
- Great for gifting or as a centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.
Tips for Success
To ensure your gingerbread cookies decorated turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t skip the chilling step—it’s crucial for keeping the dough manageable and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. If you’re in a pinch, try chilling for at least 30 minutes, but I really recommend the full hour if you can wait!
When it comes to decorating with royal icing, be sure to let your cookies cool completely. If they’re still warm, the icing can melt and turn into a gooey mess—yikes! I love using different colors of icing for a festive touch, so feel free to get creative. And once decorated, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and delicious. They’ll last for about a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
Variations on Gingerbread Cookies Decorated
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these gingerbread cookies decorated! For a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the spice mix for extra warmth. You can also incorporate finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Want a bit of zing? Add some orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus kick! And don’t forget about the toppings—swap out royal icing for a simple glaze, or even dip half of the cookies in melted chocolate. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about making them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your gingerbread cookies decorated fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their delightful texture and flavor for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed! This way, you’ll savor that perfect soft bite just like the day you made them!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my gingerbread cookies decorated, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. But don’t worry too much about the numbers—these cookies are all about joy, creativity, and the delicious moments shared with loved ones!
FAQ About Gingerbread Cookies Decorated
Can I use store-bought icing instead of royal icing?
Absolutely! Store-bought icing can save you time and still taste great. Just keep in mind that it might not set as hard as royal icing, so decorating techniques might vary.
How should I store leftover gingerbread cookies decorated?
To keep them fresh, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their delightful texture and flavor for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them wrapped individually!
Can I add more spices to the dough?
Definitely! If you love a spicier cookie, feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Adding extra ginger or a pinch of nutmeg can give your gingerbread cookies decorated an extra flavor boost!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out, so it’s easier to work with.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your gingerbread cookies decorated spread, it could be due to the dough not being chilled long enough. Make sure to give it that full hour in the fridge! You can also try adding a bit more flour to the dough if you find it too soft.
Gingerbread Cookies Decorated: 7 Joyful Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious gingerbread cookies decorated for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing for decoration
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until firm.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
Notes
- Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Use different colors of icing for festive designs.
- Make sure the dough is chilled for better shaping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: gingerbread cookies, decorated cookies, holiday cookies
