Classic Holiday Gingerbread Cookies
These Classic Holiday Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful festive treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to every kitchen. Perfect for baking with children, this recipe creates a batch of 72 cookies that can be shaped into whimsical gingerbread figures. Decorate them with colorful Smarties for eyes, licorice for smiles, and let your creativity run wild! These cookies are not just a joy to make; they fill the air with the sweet-spicy aroma of ginger and molasses, making them a holiday favorite for all ages.
72
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
5 cups (sifted)
ground ginger
1 tablespoon (freshly ground)
baking soda
1 tablespoon
margarine
1 cup (softened)
brown sugar
1 cup (firmly packed)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
molasses
1 cup
vinegar
2 tablespoons (white or apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, and baking soda. Set aside.
3
In a large bowl, cream the softened margarine until smooth. Gradually add the brown sugar, beating well until the mixture is fluffy.
4
Add the beaten eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5
Stir in the molasses and vinegar, mixing until everything is combined.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
7
Divide the dough into manageable portions and roll out each portion on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8
Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking.
10
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11
Decorate your gingerbread cookies with icing, Smarties, licorice, or any toppings of your choice, and let your creativity shine!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Holiday Gingerbread Cookies?
They are a festive holiday treat perfect for baking with children and shaping into gingerbread figures.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields a batch of 72 cookies.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much flour is needed for this recipe?
You will need 5 cups of sifted flour.
What is the required amount of ground ginger?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly ground ginger.
Does the margarine need to be softened?
Yes, use 1 cup of softened margarine for the best results.
How many eggs are used in the dough?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, which should be beaten before adding.
What type of sugar is required?
Use 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
How much molasses should I add?
Add 1 cup of molasses to the mixture.
What type of vinegar can I use?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
What is the suggested baking time?
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
They are done when the edges are lightly browned.
Should I use parchment paper?
Yes, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper is recommended.
When should I move the cookies to a wire rack?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
What candies are recommended for decoration?
Smarties for eyes and licorice for smiles are suggested decorations.
Is this recipe a good activity for children?
Yes, it is a delightful festive treat specifically mentioned as being perfect for baking with children.
What aroma do these cookies produce?
They fill the air with a sweet-spicy aroma of ginger and molasses.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
Should the eggs be added all at once?
No, add the beaten eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
How do I prepare the dry ingredients?
Sift together the flour, ground ginger, and baking soda in a mixing bowl.
What is the first step in mixing the wet ingredients?
Cream the softened margarine until smooth, then gradually add the brown sugar.
What is the total count of ingredients for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
In what order do I add the molasses and vinegar?
Stir in the molasses and vinegar after the eggs have been fully incorporated.
How should I divide the dough for rolling?
Divide the dough into manageable portions before rolling it out on a floured surface.
What should I do if the cookies look dark?
Keep a close eye on them during the 10-12 minute window to avoid over-baking.
Can I use different cookie cutters for shapes?
Yes, use any cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Is the brown sugar measured loose or packed?
The 1 cup of brown sugar should be firmly packed.
What should be done before adding dry ingredients to wet?
Ensure the wet mixture of margarine, sugar, eggs, molasses, and vinegar is thoroughly combined.