Tis the season for baking!  Today is #GingerbreadCookieDay and is the perfect day to make this tasty, spicy treat.  Gingerbread cookies instantly make us feel warm and cozy and make you want to keep going back for more.  Gingerbread cookies can come in traditional  cookie shape or you can cut them into your favourite holiday shapes plus they are super fun to decorate.

 

 

Baking instructions

In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer, beat the butter until completely smooth and creamy. Add  brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium high speed until combined. Next, beat in egg and vanilla. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. The butter may separate (it’s ok).

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves together until combined. On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The dough will be quite thick and sticky. Divide dough in half and place each onto a large piece of plastic wrap.  Form a ball and wrap each one tightly.  If making cut outs, pat down to create a disc shape before wrapping. Chill at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.  You must allow the cookie dough to chill.

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). You can line the baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (recommended when making cookies)

Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. Generously flour a work surface, as well as your hands and the rolling pin.  For gingerbread cut-outs you will want to roll out until 1/4-inch thick. Cut into shapes. Place shapes 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Re-roll dough scraps until all the dough is shaped. Repeat with remaining disc of dough.

Bake cookies for about 9-10 minutes. If your cookie cutters are smaller than 4 inches, bake for about 8 minutes. If your cookie cutters are larger than 4 inches, bake for about 11 minutes.  TIP: the longer the cookies bake, the harder and crunchier they’ll be. For soft gingerbread cookies, follow bake times.

Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely. Once completely cool, decorate as desired.

Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.