The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 8 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours 23 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the delightful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies with this cherished recipe. The dough, firm and pliable, offers a therapeutic experience as you shape each cookie. Adapted from the classic Joy of Cooking, these treats boast just 3 grams of fat per cookie. Whether you prefer them crispy or soft, this recipe caters to your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl (a KitchenAid mixer works great), beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
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Incorporate Flavor: Add molasses, vanilla, and lemon zest to the wet mixture, and continue mixing until well blended.
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Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the mixture is blended and smooth.
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Rest the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each half in plastic. Let them stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to a scant 1/4-inch thickness. Use additional flour to prevent sticking.
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Cut Out Shapes: With your favorite cookie cutter (the gingerbread man is a classic choice), cut out the cookies and place them 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake: Bake one sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes. For softer cookies, aim for the shorter baking time.
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Cool: Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool until firm enough to transfer to a wire rack.
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Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, unleash your creativity and decorate them as you wish. A powdered sugar glaze or royal icing adds the perfect finishing touch.
Enjoy the delightful aroma and irresistible taste of these gingerbread cookies, perfect for any occasion or as a sweet treat during the festive season! 🍪✨
