Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies is a medium American recipe that serves 24. 165 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 4 hrs 45 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 5 hrs 15 min

Cost: $3.29 total, $0.14 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cups All-purpose flour (360 g, spooned and leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground cloves
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.75 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature (170 g, softened)
  • 0.75 cup Brown sugar, packed (≈165 g)
  • 0.75 cup Molasses (≈250 g, dark)
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Measure dry ingredients

    Weigh or measure 3 cups (360 g) all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp cloves, and ¼ tsp salt into a bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Whisk dry mixture

    Whisk the flour and spices together until evenly combined.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Cream butter and brown sugar

    In the stand mixer bowl, add ¾ cup (170 g) softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup packed brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add molasses

    Pour in ¾ cup molasses and mix on low until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add egg and vanilla

    Crack one large egg into a separate cup to check for shells, then add it to the butter mixture along with 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix for another 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Combine wet and dry

    Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix on low until just combined (a few streaks are okay), then finish mixing by hand with a spatula to ensure a uniform dough.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Shape and chill dough

    Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

    Time: PT4H10M

  8. Preheat oven

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Roll dough

    On a heavily floured surface, roll one chilled disk to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Keep the rolling pin and surface well‑floured to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Cut shapes

    Press cookie cutters into the rolled dough, lift the shapes, and place them on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Bake cookies

    Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. Smaller shapes may need a minute less.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  12. Cool

    Remove the sheet and let cookies cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before decorating or storing.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Decorate (optional)

    Pipe simple royal icing outlines and details using a small round tip held about ½ inch above the cookie surface. Let icing set before stacking or storing.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
165
Protein
0.8 g
Carbohydrates
27 g
Fat
6.7 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: vegetarian

Allergens: wheat, dairy, egg

Last updated: March 18, 2026

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Gingerbread Cookies

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

Classic soft gingerbread cookies packed with warm holiday spices. The dough is chilled for optimal texture, rolled thin, cut into festive shapes, and baked until just set. Finish with simple royal icing for a decorative touch.

MediumAmericanServes 24

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4h 44m
Prep
35m
Cook
38m
Cleanup
5h 57m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.29
Total cost
$0.14
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy
  • Chill dough for at least 4 hours to firm up
  • Roll dough to an even ¼‑inch thickness on a well‑floured surface
  • Do not over‑bake; watch for lightly golden edges

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Make sure the egg is fully incorporated to prevent raw‑egg pockets
  • Do not leave the oven unattended while baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Gingerbread Cookies in American cuisine?

A

Gingerbread Cookies have been a staple of American holiday baking since the colonial era, when European settlers brought spiced breads and cookies to the New World. Over time they became associated with Christmas celebrations, symbolizing warmth, hospitality, and festive cheer in American culture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Gingerbread Cookies in American holiday baking?

A

In the United States, regional twists include New England versions that use molasses and rye flour, Southern recipes that add corn syrup for extra chewiness, and West Coast adaptations that incorporate maple syrup or pumpkin puree. Each variation reflects local ingredient preferences while keeping the classic spice blend.

cultural
Q

How are Gingerbread Cookies authentically served in American Christmas celebrations?

A

Traditional American Christmas tables feature Gingerbread Cookies arranged on decorative platters, often glazed with royal icing and dusted with powdered sugar. They are commonly enjoyed with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a glass of milk as part of a holiday cookie spread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Gingerbread Cookies traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Gingerbread Cookies are most closely linked to Christmas, but they also appear at Thanksgiving dessert tables, winter holiday parties, and family baking days throughout December. Many American families bake them together as a bonding activity during the festive season.

cultural
Q

How does Gingerbread Cookies fit into the broader American dessert tradition?

A

Gingerbread Cookies represent the American love for spiced, comforting sweets that celebrate seasonal flavors. They sit alongside other classic American desserts like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple crisp, reinforcing a tradition of warm, spice‑forward treats in the colder months.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The authentic recipe calls for all‑purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, molasses, brown sugar, butter, and eggs. Acceptable substitutes include gluten‑free flour blends for those with sensitivities, coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar, and dairy‑free butter alternatives.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Gingerbread Cookies?

A

Gingerbread Cookies pair nicely with classic American beverages such as hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, and eggnog. They also complement other holiday desserts like pecan pie, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce for a balanced festive spread.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Gingerbread Cookies from the Preppy Kitchen YouTube video?

A

Common pitfalls include over‑mixing the dough, which can develop gluten and make the cookies tough, and skipping the chilling step, which leads to thin, overly spread cookies. Also, rolling the dough too thick or baking at too high a temperature can result in uneven edges and a dry texture.

technical
Q

Why does the Gingerbread Cookies recipe from the Preppy Kitchen YouTube channel use chilling the dough instead of baking immediately?

A

Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, allowing the cookies to hold their shape and produce a tender, slightly chewy interior with crisp edges. It also gives the spices time to meld, enhancing the depth of flavor that the Preppy Kitchen video highlights.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in, and what is its cooking philosophy for American desserts like Gingerbread Cookies?

A

Preppy Kitchen specializes in approachable, home‑cook‑friendly recipes that focus on classic American comfort foods and seasonal treats. Its philosophy emphasizes clear, step‑by‑step instructions, ingredient accessibility, and visually appealing plating, making dishes like Gingerbread Cookies easy for viewers to replicate.

channel

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