There’s something magical about the scent of gingerbread filling a warm kitchen on a cold December day. I still remember baking these easy gingerbread cookies while soft snowflakes fell outside and music played in the background. The dough rolled out smooth, cutters pressed in cleanly, and soon the house smelled like the holidays. These cookies are crisp, full of spice, and perfect for decorating with family.
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What Makes These Gingerbread Cookies Special?
These cookies bake up beautifully crisp, not soft, which makes them perfect for decorating. The dough doesn’t spread, so your shapes stay sharp and picture-perfect. Each bite has deep molasses flavor balanced with cinnamon, ginger, and a hint of allspice. They hold up wonderfully under royal icing, yet taste just as good plain. And best of all, the recipe is quick, easy, and reliable every single time.
You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these easy gingerbread cookies:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Decoration (optional):
- Royal icing for decorating
- Sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible pearls for fun detail
Tip: Weigh your ingredients if you can. It makes the dough smoother and prevents extra flour, which can make cookies tough.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Gingerbread Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine wet ingredients
In a large bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar just until blended. Do not cream them—you want the cookies to stay flat.
Next, stir in the egg, vanilla, and molasses until smooth.
Step 3: Add dry ingredients
Add flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt. Stir until the flour disappears. The dough will look crumbly at first—press it together with your hands until it forms a smooth ball.
Step 4: Roll and cut
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite cutters to make stars, trees, or gingerbread people. Place them on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 9 minutes or until the edges are slightly darkened. The cookies will firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tip: Keep the dough cool if your kitchen is warm. Chilled dough helps cookies hold their shape and keeps edges crisp.
Decorating Gingerbread Cookies
Once cooled, grab your royal icing. Use a small piping bag to outline each cookie, then fill in the centers. Let the icing dry before stacking. Try simple snowflakes or detailed gingerbread men—whatever fits your mood.
Fun ideas:
- White and gold trees for a classic look
- Colorful gingerbread houses
- Simple stars with powdered sugar “snow”
You can even use the same icing on Christmas candy cane cookies to complement your holiday treats or Cinnamon roll cookies with holiday spice flair.
Just remember, cookies may soften slightly after decorating since icing absorbs moisture. If you like them crisp, let them air dry before storing.
Storage & Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They keep well for up to a week.
- The flavor deepens after a day as the spices settle.
- If you like them softer, leave the container slightly open overnight.
- These cookies aren’t ideal for those who prefer chewy textures—they’re made for decorating and crunch.
Pair them with Classic peanut butter blossoms for your holiday cookie platter for a cozy mix of flavors and styles.
Easy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe Card
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Easy Gingerbread Cookies | Crispy, Festive & Fun to Make
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp, no-spread Easy Gingerbread cookies with deep molasses flavor and warm holiday spices. Perfect for clean cookie-cutter edges and festive royal-icing decorating with family.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg, room temperature
1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp salt
Optional for decorating: royal icing, sprinkles, colored sugars
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F 190°C and line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Stir butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar just until combined. Do not cream.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and molasses. Mix until smooth.
4. Add flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt. Mix until no dry flour remains.
5. If crumbly, press dough together with hands until it forms a smooth mass.
6. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cut shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared sheets.
8. Bake 9 minutes. Let cookies set 2 minutes on sheet, then cool on a rack.
9. Cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
Notes
Cookies are crisp, not soft, and hold sharp edges for decorating.
Icing can add moisture, so cookies may soften slightly over time.
For best shape, keep dough slightly cool while rolling.
Measure by weight when possible for consistent results.
Store airtight at room temperature up to 1 week.
Not ideal if you prefer soft gingerbread.
Great family activity for calm, creative holiday decorating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes per batch
- Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie 25 g
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
More Such Recipes
Love baking during the holidays? Try my Gingerbread crinkle cookies for a festive twist. They’re soft, sugary, and perfect next to these crisp gingerbread shapes.
FAQ
What makes gingerbread cookies hard or soft?
Crisp cookies bake longer and use less butter. Soft cookies bake for a shorter time and often include more molasses or sugar.
What is a gingerbread cookie made of?
Flour, butter, sugar, molasses, and warm spices like ginger and cinnamon make up the base.
What is the secret to chewy gingerbread?
Use more molasses and take them out of the oven earlier. The moisture in molasses keeps the texture tender.
What is the dark history of gingerbread?
In medieval Europe, gingerbread often had ceremonial uses and was linked to both celebration and symbolism. Over time, it became a cheerful holiday favorite instead.
Conclusion
Baking these easy gingerbread cookies feels like creating edible ornaments that carry warmth and nostalgia. Each batch fills the room with spice and sweetness, turning a simple afternoon into something memorable.
Bake them with family, decorate with friends, and share them with neighbors—they’re more than cookies, they’re moments you can taste.
Share your creations with me on Pinterest or Facebook. I’d love to see your holiday magic
