Gingerbread Cookies

Description: Embrace the holiday spirit with these classic Gingerbread Cookies! Perfectly spiced, crisp yet chewy, these cookies are ideal for decorating, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Each bite brings a burst of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses – traditional flavors that encapsulate the essence of the holidays.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Inactive Time: 2 hours (for dough chilling)

Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses

• 2 tablespoons milk

• Royal icing, for decorating (optional)

Instructions:

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

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and milk until well combined.

3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.

4. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

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

7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are firm around the edges. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Decorate with royal icing as desired.

Notes to Make it Better:

• For a softer cookie, roll the dough thicker and bake for the minimum time.

• Add a little orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

• For crispier cookies, roll the dough thinner and bake for an extra minute or two.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, without icing):

• Calories: 110

• Fat: 5g

• Sodium: 95mg

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugars: 7g

• Protein: 1g

Remember, nutritional values can vary based on the size of the cookies and the amount and type of icing used.

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