Ed has the most delicious Gingerbread Cookie Recipe for you today, and it is a complete baking hack! Using a cookie mix by Betty Crocker, this recipe takes a regular sugar cookie and turns it into the most delicious Gingerbread Cookies you've ever tasted! I promise, you must try this Gingerbread Cookie Recipe - you will LOVE IT!
Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
1 Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix (or any brand of sugar cookie mix should be fine)
2 tbs pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 cup flour
1 egg
1tsp vanilla
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup melted butter (not shown in video but we definitely added it - lol!)
What you will also need ....
(note we used the SMALLEST Gingerbread Man cutter from our set):
Red Christmas Cookie Cutters
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A SET OF 3 METAL CHRISTMAS TREE OR GINGERBREAD MAN CUTTERS FOR COOKIES, FONDANT, CAKES AND MORE! SECOND IMAGE SHOWS SIZES - VERY LARGE CUTTER INCLUDED! TREE CUTTER SIZE: 6.2CM X 9.3CM X 14CM GINGERBREAD CUTTER SIZE: 8.5CM X 11.5CM X… read more
Tipless Piping Bags (S or M)
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AWESOME PIPING BAGS ARE HERE! THIS LISTING IS FOR ONE SET OF 100 PIPING BAGS IN SMALL OR MEDIUM SIZE. PERFECT BAGS FOR ICING YOUR COOKIES OR CAKES! WHAT SETS OUR PIPING BAGS APART OF THE THICKNESS. IT'S THICK ENOUGH TO… read more
White Edible Glitter Large Spray Bottle
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Our White Diamond Edible Glitter Spray Bottle is amazing for food and drinks! Best prices on the best edible glitter for all of your cakes, cookies and desserts! This perfect edible white glitter is a very fine dust, tasteless and… read more
Detailed Instructions for Easy Gingerbread Cookies:
Follow these steps for the Gingerbread Cookie Recipe -
Add cookie mix, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, 1/4 cup flour and whisk in a large mixing bowl.
Then add the egg, vanilla, molasses and melted butter - and switching to a large wooden spoon, continue to mix until it forms a solid, soft dough.
Ed removed the dough and kneaded it all together at the very end on the kitchen counter, to fully incorporate all of the ingredients. This could be done in the kitchen aid mixer as well.
Roll the dough flat with a rolling pin (place parchment underneath) to 1/4 inch thickness and once fully rolled out - place the flat piece of dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. You want the dough to be really chilled for cutting out the gingerbread man shapes! This is a very soft dough.
Once very chilled, cut the gingerbread cookies out, place them on a non-stick baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake at 350 Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, which should result in crispy edges but a soft center.
If you want more crisp gingerbread cookies, you could bake at 375 for 10-11 minutes.
Place them on a cooling rack and spray them with the best Edible Glitter Dust, White Diamond!
Then, fill a small piping bag with buttercream, or stiff royal icing. We used Ed's Swiss Meringue Buttercream (recipe below). Draw the smiley face and squiggly lines on both arms and feet. Use the buttercream for "buttons" and then take mini red M&M's and place them on your little buttercream buttons to adhere.
Tips For Making Easy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
- CHILL YOUR DOUGH
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Due to the molasses, this is a very soft dough! Refrigerating your dough for at least 30 minutes (or you can also do it overnight)! This not only makes it easier to handle but also allows the flavors to meld, giving your cookies a richer, spicier taste. Chilled dough will also help your cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfect gingerbread men, stars, or whatever shape you choose.
- Pro Advice from Ed: Achieving the ideal dough texture is crucial. Your gingerbread cookie dough should be firm yet pliable, making it easy to roll out and cut into shapes without cracking. If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time. On the flip side, if it's too dry, you can mix in a small amount of milk or water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- We used the SMALLEST Gingerbread Man Cookie from the set we sell
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Due to the molasses, this is a very soft dough! Refrigerating your dough for at least 30 minutes (or you can also do it overnight)! This not only makes it easier to handle but also allows the flavors to meld, giving your cookies a richer, spicier taste. Chilled dough will also help your cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfect gingerbread men, stars, or whatever shape you choose.
- ROLLING OUT THE DOUGH EVENLY
- For cookies that bake evenly, make sure to roll out your dough to a consistent thickness, typically about ¼ inch. Using rolling pin guides or two evenly stacked rulers on either side of your dough can help achieve a uniform thickness.
- PREP YOUR BUTTERCREAM
- Click for Ed's SMBC Recipe Here!
- We like buttercream for cookies like this, but you can absolutely use still royal icing if that's what you prefer.
- If you make buttercream, be sure to brighten it up but whipping it a long time for a less yellow tint or by adding Master Elite White Food Color!
- USE STURDY PIPING BAGS
- Our piping bags are a solid medium strength, which makes them both amazing for fine detail work and for piping lots of cookies without the bag busting on you!
- Clamp it off with a Piping Clip and then cut a smallish hole at the very tip of the bag.
- SPRAY THE EDIBLE GLITTER DUST ON THE COOKIES IMMEDIATELY
- Our large edible glitter spray bottles make the most even distribution of edible glitter dust! They do not clog and spray seamlessly! Spraying them immediately on your warm cookies will help the dust adhere very well.
- HAVE FUN!
- Not every project will turn out perfect the first time, so be patient and keep trying to learn how to make these small chocolate wreaths for Christmas!
Getting the Spice Balance Just Right
The signature warmth of gingerbread cookies comes from a balanced blend of spices. Here's how to adjust and customize the spice level to your liking:
Classic Spice Blend
- A traditional pumpkin pie spice mix includes ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. If you prefer a more pronounced ginger flavor, feel free to increase the amount of ground ginger. For a more subtle, mellow flavor, reduce the ginger to 1/2 tsp, which can be quite strong!
Adding a Twist
- For a unique flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cardamom might be lovely! A dash of black pepper can also add a surprising, delightful heat that elevates the traditional spice blend. Be sure to experiment and adjust to your preference!
Creative Decorating Ideas for Gingerbread Cookies
Decorating gingerbread cookies is one of the most fun holiday activities, and there are countless ways to get creative:
Royal Icing Art
- Royal icing is a classic choice for decorating, allowing you to create intricate patterns, like snowflakes, zigzags, or simple smiles on gingerbread people. For added dimension, pipe a thick outline and then flood the inside with a thinner icing.
Using Edible Glitter and Luster Dust
- Give your cookies a shimmering, magical finish with edible glitter or luster dust from The Sugar Art. Gold and silver accents look stunning on holiday-themed cookies and add an elegant touch to your gingerbread creations.
Candy Decorations
- Add color and texture with small candies like mini M&Ms, candy pearls, or sprinkles. You can use them to make buttons on gingerbread men or to add fun details to other shapes.
Beyond Traditional Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread cookies aren't just for making gingerbread men! Here are a few creative ways to use this versatile dough:
Gingerbread Ornaments
- Transform your cookies into festive ornaments by poking a small hole near the top before baking. Once decorated and dried, thread a piece of ribbon or twine through the hole and hang them on your Christmas tree. These cookies make your tree look and smell amazing!
Edible Place Cards
- For a unique holiday table setting, use large gingerbread cookies as edible place cards. Decorate each cookie with royal icing and write your guests' names on them. They’ll be impressed by the personal touch!
Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches
- Spread cream cheese frosting, Nutella, or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a decadent treat. The soft, spicy cookie paired with a creamy filling is a match made in holiday heaven.
Storing and Freezing Gingerbread Cookies
To keep your gingerbread cookies fresh and ready for holiday festivities, proper storage is key:
Storing Baked Cookies
- Store fully decorated and dried gingerbread cookies, using our Gingerbread Cookie Recipe of course, in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.
Freezing Dough
- If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze your gingerbread cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.
By following these tips for our Gingerbread Cookie Recipe and trying out new ideas, you can elevate your gingerbread cookie baking and decorating game. For more baking inspiration and to shop for premium edible glitter, luster dust, and gel colors, visit The Sugar Art. Happy holiday baking!
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