Nothing brings the holiday spirit to life like Gingerbread cookies. Whether you are preparing a treat for your family or yourself, nothing quells the seasonal cravings like their doughy figures. This classic Christmas is pretty easy, even newbies like me could whip up a batch.
Why Gingerbread cookies you all ask? With the mix of some ginger and cinnamon, you can make an amazing and festive winter season favorite. You can even make unique shapes with the dough, creating personalized gingerbread people–fun for the whole family!
The ingredients are: 
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For decorating: Icing, sprinkles, or small candies
Note: These amounts can be modified depending on how many cookies you want to make, just be sure to keep the ratios the same.
Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap each piece in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour. This helps with rolling and shaping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C for celsius lovers). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into your favorite holiday shapes–have fun with it! Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how soft or crisp you prefer them. Once cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles to bring your cookies to life.
These cookies will be a great addition to any Christmas or holiday meal, mixing the tasty tradition with your own personal flair. Be sure to try these out before the new year rolls around, happy baking!
