Simple Gingerbread Cookie with Icing

Gingerbread cookies, with their warm spices and inviting aroma, are a cherished holiday tradition. But what if you crave that cozy flavor any time of year? This Simple Gingerbread Cookie With Icing recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels, promising a delicious and rewarding experience without the fuss of complicated techniques.

Making the Perfect Simple Gingerbread Dough

The key to a great gingerbread cookie lies in the dough. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and a straightforward method to create a dough that’s easy to work with and bakes beautifully. We’ll focus on achieving that perfect balance of spice and sweetness that defines a truly delicious gingerbread cookie. Forget complicated chilling times; this dough is ready to roll as soon as it’s mixed.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth baking process and prevents any last-minute scrambles. You’ll need: flour, ginger (ground), cinnamon (ground), cloves (ground), baking soda, salt, butter (softened), brown sugar, molasses, an egg, and vanilla extract. Having everything at your fingertips streamlines the process and lets you focus on the joy of baking.

Mixing the Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices throughout the dough.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a tender cookie texture.
3. Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The molasses adds that distinct gingerbread flavor and richness.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Mixing gingerbread dough for simple gingerbread cookies

Rolling and Cutting Your Gingerbread Cookies

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to give your cookies their signature shapes. Whether you prefer classic gingerbread men, festive stars, or creative custom shapes, this dough is easy to handle and holds its shape beautifully.

Choosing the Right Rolling Pin and Cutters

Using a good quality rolling pin ensures even thickness, which is crucial for consistent baking. Select cookie cutters that are sharp and sturdy for clean, precise shapes. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cutters!

Rolling and Cutting Techniques

1. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
2. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. This thickness strikes the perfect balance between chewy and crisp.
3. Using your chosen cookie cutters, cut out your desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Remember, similar to our Easy gingerbread cookie no chill, this dough doesn’t require any chilling time.

Cutting simple gingerbread cookies with festive shapes

Baking and Decorating Your Gingerbread Masterpieces

Baking your cookies to golden perfection is the penultimate step. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible! And then comes the fun part: decorating.

Baking Tips for Perfect Results

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking. For those who are short on time, our Fast gingerbread cookie no molasses offers a quicker baking experience.

Icing: The Finishing Touch

While the cookies are cooling, prepare your icing. A simple royal icing is perfect for decorating gingerbread cookies. It hardens beautifully and creates a clean, professional finish. You can get creative with different colors and piping techniques to personalize your cookies. Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at our Fast cinnamon bread with icing for icing ideas.

Decorated simple gingerbread cookies with royal icing

“A touch of royal icing elevates a simple gingerbread cookie into a work of art,” says renowned pastry chef, Amelia Dubois. “Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and designs. Let your creativity shine!”

Conclusion

Making simple gingerbread cookies with icing is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and holiday cheer – even if it’s not the holiday season! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy delicious homemade gingerbread cookies any time of year. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create your own batch of these delightful treats. Looking for more holiday baking inspiration? Check out our easy holiday cookies recipe. For a quick gingerbread fix, explore our Quick gingerbread cookie recipe. Happy baking!

Simple gingerbread cookies stored in a glass jar

FAQ

1. Can I freeze gingerbread cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
2. What can I substitute for molasses? Dark corn syrup or honey can be used as substitutes, but the flavor will be slightly different.
3. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading? Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough.
4. Can I use different spices? Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom.
5. How do I store decorated gingerbread cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
6. What if my icing is too runny? Add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.
7. What if my icing is too thick? Add a tiny amount of water, a drop at a time, to thin it out.

“Remember, baking is a science, but decorating is an art. Have fun with it!” adds Chef Dubois.