Okay, let’s be real. The holidays are here, which means one thing: it’s gingerbread cookie time! But let’s ditch the tired, same-old recipes this year, shall we? We’re going beyond basic gingerbread men and into a world of spiced deliciousness. I’ve rounded up seven recipes – from the tried-and-true classics to some seriously inventive twists – that’ll have your kitchen smelling like Christmas and your tastebuds doing a happy dance. Get ready to roll, cut, and decorate your way to holiday baking glory!
1. The OG: Classic Molasses Gingerbread Cookies
This is the foundation, people. You can’t even begin your gingerbread adventures without mastering the original. These are chewy, warmly spiced, and perfect for cutting into classic shapes. Prepare for nostalgia overload.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses (the good stuff!)
- 1 large egg
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (longer is better!).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It: This recipe is pure comfort food. The molasses gives it that authentic gingerbread flavor, and they’re surprisingly sturdy for decorating! I always double this recipe because let’s face it, they disappear fast.
2. Gingerbread Spice Stars with Lemon Glaze 🌟
Want to elevate your gingerbread game? These star-shaped cookies get a burst of brightness from a tangy lemon glaze. It’s a surprisingly fantastic combination.
Ingredients:
- Follow recipe for Classic Molasses Gingerbread (above)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Bake Classic Gingerbread Cookies as directed above.
- While cookies cool completely, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed for desired consistency.
- Drizzle lemon glaze over cooled cookies. Let glaze set before serving.
Why You’ll Love It: The lemon glaze brightens up the rich spices – it’s like a holiday hug! Just don’t skip the cooling step; otherwise, the glaze melts right off.
3. Dark Chocolate Gingerbread Crinkles 🍫
Okay, hear me out: dark chocolate and gingerbread? It’s amazing. These crinkled cookies are fudgy, intensely flavorful, and seriously impressive to look at.
Ingredients:
- Follow recipe for Classic Molasses Gingerbread (above)
- 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Before adding dry ingredients to the wet, stir in the cocoa powder.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes. The cookies will crackle as they bake—that’s what you want!
Why You’ll Love It: Seriously, the dark chocolate enhances the gingerbread spices. These are rich, decadent, and totally different than your grandma’s gingerbread.
4. Gingerbread Shortbread Fingers
Sometimes you want something simpler, right? These buttery shortbread cookies with a subtle gingerbread kick are perfect for dunking in hot cocoa – or enjoying straight from the oven (no judgment!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the ginger and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into long, thin strips.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It: These are elegant, delicious, and ridiculously easy to make. Plus, they store beautifully! IMO, these are a must for any holiday cookie platter.
5. Spiced Gingerbread Biscotti
For the coffee lovers! Biscotti are twice-baked cookies, meaning they’re extra crunchy and perfect for dipping. The gingerbread spices add a festive twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the nuts.
- Shape dough into two logs, about 12 inches long, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
- Slice the logs into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Why You’ll Love It: A sophisticated treat! The twice-baking creates a satisfying crunch, and the gingerbread spices warm you up from the inside out. Don’t be scared – biscotti are easier than they look!
6. Vegan Gingerbread Snowflakes ❄️
Don’t want to compromise your dietary choices this holiday season? These gorgeous vegan gingerbread snowflakes are completely plant-based, yet still packed with flavor and holiday cheer!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Cream together the vegan butter and maple syrup until light and fluffy. Mix in applesauce and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness, cut into snowflake shapes, and bake 8-10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: It is delicious and cruelty-free! If you’re vegan, or trying to reduce dairy, this is a stellar option! FYI – you can use store-bought vegan butter for easier prep.
7. Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Okay, these are a commitment, but trust me, they’re worth it. Soft, spiced gingerbread cookies sandwiched with a fluffy cream cheese filling? Yep, pure heaven.
Ingredients:
- For the Cookies: Follow Classic Gingerbread Cookie recipe
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Bake the gingerbread cookies. Aim for slightly smaller cookies (about 2 inches in diameter) for the perfect whoopie pie size.
- While cookies cool, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pipe or spread the cream cheese filling between two gingerbread cookies.
Why You’ll Love It: Whoopie pies aren’t just cookies; they’re an experience! The contrast between the spiced gingerbread and the creamy filling is unforgettable. Don’t skip the vanilla in the filling – it really ties everything together. : )
Sweet Success!
And there you have it – seven gingerbread cookie recipes to spice up your holiday season! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead, get baking, and spread some gingerbread joy. Happy holidays!
