Gingerbread Cookies For Dummies

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

   2:00 · Cream butter and sugar
3. 3

   Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.

4. 4

   Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing on low speed until just combined and no dry streaks remain.

5. 5

   Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. 7

   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies 1 inch apart.

8. 8

   Bake the cookies until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft, 9 to 11 minutes.

   9:00 · Bake cookies
9. 9

   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

   5:00 · Cool on baking sheet
10. 10

    Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining dough disc.