Classic Gingerbread Cookies with Simple Icing

These festive Gingerbread Cookies are soft in the center, crisp on the edges, and packed with warm spices. Perfect for decorating with family, sharing with friends, or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea, this holiday classic never goes out of style.

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Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsulfured molasses
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• (Optional) Zest of one small orange
• (Optional) Red hots, sprinkles, or other toppings for decoration

For the Simple Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the butter and brown sugar on medium-high for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in the egg, molasses, vanilla, and orange zest (if using) until fully combined.
4. Combine the Dough:
   Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and a soft dough forms.
5. Chill the Dough:
   Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a 1-inch-thick disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). If chilled longer, let the dough sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before rolling.

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Roll, Cut & Bake

6. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll and Cut Shapes:
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thick. Cut with your favorite cookie cutters, re-rolling scraps as needed.
8. Bake:
   Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Make the Icing

9. Whisk Icing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more sugar (to thicken) or milk (to thin), a little at a time.
10. Decorate:
    Once cookies are completely cool, decorate using a piping bag, zip-top bag with the corner snipped, or a squeeze bottle. Add sprinkles, candies, or let them shine simply iced.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly spiced and balanced
• Fun for decorating with kids or friends
• Ideal make-ahead dough
• Crisp edges, soft center
• Customizable with your favorite toppings or icing styles

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Tips

• Don’t skip chilling – It helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Use light molasses – Avoid blackstrap molasses, which is too bitter.
• Add flour to rolling pin and surface to prevent sticking.
• Store in an airtight container to keep cookies fresh and soft.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegan: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
• Add orange zest: For a subtle citrus twist.
• Spice it up: Increase ginger or add cardamom for extra warmth.
• Skip the icing: Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.

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FAQs

Can I freeze gingerbread cookie dough?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling.

How long do baked cookies last?
Store at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze the baked cookies (undecorated) for longer storage.

Can I make the icing ahead?
Yes, but it may thicken as it sits. Stir in a splash of milk to loosen before using.

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Serving

• Serve with a mug of hot cocoa, mulled cider, or coffee
• Use as edible gifts during the holidays
• Decorate as an activity at cookie-decorating parties
• Include in holiday cookie boxes or dessert tables

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Suggestions

• Use themed cookie cutters for different occasions (trees, stars, snowflakes, hearts)
• Add royal icing for a more intricate finish
• Get creative: use mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or sanding sugar for decoration
• For kids, let them decorate with squeeze bottles or edible marker