Soft Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Introduction
Gingerbread cookies are one of the most iconic holiday treats. Whether you make them to hang on the Christmas tree, to give as gifts, or just to enjoy yourself, making your own gingerbread cookies is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. This recipe for soft gingerbread cookies is sure to please!
Ingredients
To make soft gingerbread cookies, you will need the following ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup shortening, 1 cup packed dark brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup molasses, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter, shortening, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, vanilla extract, and milk, and beat until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
When rolling out the dough, make sure it is not too thick or too thin; you want it to be about 1/4-inch thick. If the dough is too thick, the cookies will be hard and tough. If the dough is too thin, the cookies will spread too much and be difficult to cut out.
You can also add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries to the dough for a bit of extra flavor. If you do add any of these ingredients, be sure to mix them in well to make sure they are evenly distributed.
Storage
These cookies will stay fresh for up to one week if stored in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure they are in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Conclusion
Soft gingerbread cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. With this recipe, you can make your own delicious cookies in no time. Whether you give them as gifts, hang them on the tree, or just enjoy them yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit!