Gingerbread Cutout Holiday Treats (Printable)
Spiced gingerbread cutouts with crisp edges and tender centers, ideal for shaping and decorating.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
04 - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
12 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and blend until thoroughly combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until a uniform dough forms.
05 - Divide the dough in half, shape into flattened disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
06 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough disk to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies.
08 - Place the cutouts on prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 1 inch between each cookie.
09 - Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Once cooled, decorate as desired with royal icing, sprinkles, or sanding sugar.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This recipe creates cookies that balance a crisp edge with a tender center, making each bite delightfully satisfying.
- The blend of classic warm spices adds a cozy depth that quickly makes these cutouts a favorite year after year.
02 -
- Chilling the dough is more than a suggestion—it prevents cookies from spreading too much and keeps those perfect shapes intact.
- Adding a pinch of black pepper can give the gingerbread an unexpected spicy warmth that transforms the flavor.
03 -
- Use room temperature ingredients for easy mixing and consistent dough texture.
- Rolling dough between two sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking and makes transfer to baking sheets seamless.