The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

These irresistible gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic, perfected! This recipe, adapted from Joy of Cooking, creates a wonderfully firm, aromatic dough that's a joy to work with – almost therapeutic! Get ready for rave reviews, as these melt-in-your-mouth cookies disappear in a flash. The secret? A long rest for the dough and the perfect rolling thickness for your desired crispness. Enjoy perfectly crisp edges or delightfully chewy centers—the choice is yours! (Only 3g of fat per cookie!)

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 143 mins
Calories 134.2 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating Be the first
The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies 24

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies

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How to Make The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies

  1. Whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1 large egg until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in 1/2 cup molasses, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours. (This step is crucial for easier handling!)
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use additional flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly firm. Baking time may vary depending on thickness and oven.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, decorate as desired with royal icing, powdered sugar glaze, or sprinkles!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

3 g

Sugar

42g

Fat

9g

Carbs

8g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies?

The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies takes about 203 minutes from start to finish — roughly 60 minutes to prepare and 143 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies?

The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies has approximately 134.2 calories per serving, with about 3 g protein, 8 g carbohydrates and 5 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies?

The key ingredients for The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies are All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt, Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon. See the full list with measurements above.

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