Christmas Ginger Cookies
Description
These classic Christmas Ginger Cookies are a festive favorite, featuring a rich blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The dough is tender yet sturdy, thanks to the combination of shortening and molasses, which gives the cookies their signature dark color and deep flavor. Chewy and aromatic, they hold up beautifully to intricate royal icing decorations, making them ideal for holiday gift-giving or cookie exchanges. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated, offering flexibility for busy bakers. Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa or tea for a cozy winter treat.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a large bowl, beat shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg, and vanilla until smooth and well blended.
-
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined. The dough will be soft.
-
Divide the dough into four equal portions. Pat each portion into a 1-inch thick round.
-
Wrap each round tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 1 week to firm up.
-
On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man or other holiday cutters to cut shapes.
-
Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set. Cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
-
Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing as desired. To make royal icing, mix 3 cups confectioners' sugar, 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, and 2 large egg whites until stiff. Add food coloring if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2294.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 66.8g103%
- Saturated Fat 22.0g111%
- Cholesterol 93.2mg32%
- Sodium 2524.8mg106%
- Total Carbohydrate 388.7g130%
- Dietary Fiber 10.9g44%
- Sugars 114.3g
- Protein 39.5g79%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
ginger cookies, christmas cookies, molasses cookies, spiced cookies, holiday baking, gingerbread, cookie exchange, winter treats, decorated cookies, royal icing, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, shortening, chewy cookies, festive dessert, make ahead, traditional recipe, cookie dough
