gingerbrave cookie

Gingerbread cookies are a timeless treat, especially cherished during the holiday season. Their delightful blend of spices and rich molasses flavor make them a favorite among both children and adults. Whether you’re crafting them into festive shapes or enjoying them as simple rounds, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gingerbread cookie recipe offers the perfect balance of spices, resulting in cookies that are both flavorful and aromatic. The dough is easy to work with, allowing for creative shapes and designs. Additionally, these cookies have a delightful texture—crisp edges with a slightly soft center—that makes them irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Ground ginger

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground allspice

• Ground cloves

• Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• Light or dark brown sugar, packed

• Unsulphured or dark molasses (avoid blackstrap)

• Large egg, at room temperature

• Pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Set aside.​Sally’s Baking Addiction+1Food Network+1

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.​

3. Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the molasses, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated.​Sally’s Baking Addiction+5Love and Lemons+5Houston Chronicle+5

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.​Cloudy Kitchen

5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 3 days. Chilling is essential for easier handling and to prevent excessive spreading during baking.​Love and Lemons

6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.​

7. Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes, re-rolling scraps as necessary.​

8. Bake: Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. For softer cookies, aim for the shorter baking time.​

9. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.​Love From The Oven+9Cloudy Kitchen+9Gimme Some Oven+9

10. Decorate (Optional): Once cooled, decorate with your choice of icing or enjoy them plain.​Once Upon a Chef

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 medium-sized cookies. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, chilling time is at least 3 hours, and baking time is 8-10 minutes per batch.

Variations

• Spice Adjustments: For a more intense flavor, increase the ground ginger and cinnamon slightly.​Allrecipes+4The Kitchn+4Love and Lemons+4

• Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the dough for a subtle citrus note.​

• Chocolate-Dipped: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted dark chocolate and allow to set for a decadent touch.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.​

• Freezing Dough: Wrap unbaked dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.​Love and Lemons

• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.​Once Upon a Chef

FAQs

How do I prevent my gingerbread cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least 3 hours helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.​Once Upon a Chef+2foodandwine.com+2Butternut Bakery+2

Can I use blackstrap molasses in this recipe?

It’s best to avoid blackstrap molasses, as it has a more bitter flavor. Opt for unsulphured or dark molasses for a sweeter taste.​Sally’s Baking Addiction

How thick should I roll the dough?

Rolling the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness ensures the cookies are sturdy yet slightly soft in the center.​

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.​

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

Royal icing or a simple glaze works well. You can also use sprinkles or small candies for added decoration.​

How can I achieve a chewier cookie?

Slightly underbaking the cookies (closer to 8 minutes) will result in a chewier texture.​

Are these cookies suitable for constructing gingerbread houses?

This recipe yields softer cookies, which may not be ideal for structural purposes. For gingerbread houses, a firmer cookie recipe is recommended.​

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

While you can use margarine, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.​

How do I store decorated cookies?

Once the icing has fully set, store decorated cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.​Once Upon a Chef

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be doubled. Ensure your mixer can accommodate the increased volume.​

Conclusion

Gingerbread cookies are a delightful addition to any festive gathering or a cozy treat for a quiet evening. Their rich spices and customizable shapes make them both fun to create and delicious to enjoy. Whether you prefer them plain or elaborately decorated, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.

Print

gingerbrave cookie

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• Author: Sarra
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes chilling)
• Yield: 20–24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert, Holiday Treat
• Method: Baking, Decorating
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Bring your favorite cookie character to life with these GingerBrave Cookies! These spicy-sweet gingerbread cookies are perfectly shaped and decorated to look just like the classic video game icon — complete with icing details and that trademark brave smile. Perfect for holiday baking, parties, or themed treats!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Cookies:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For Royal Icing (Decorating):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 3–4 tablespoons water
• Gel food coloring (white, red, blue)

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Instructions

• Make the Dough:
• Cream butter and brown sugar until light. Add molasses and egg, and mix until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet until a dough forms. Divide, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
• Bake the Cookies:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
• Use a gingerbread man cutter to cut shapes and place on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake 8–10 minutes. Cool completely before decorating.
• Decorate:
• Mix royal icing ingredients until smooth and thick. Divide and color icing as needed.
• Pipe on eyes, smile, icing squiggles for arms/legs, and red buttons to create the GingerBrave look. Let set.

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Notes

• Chill the dough well before rolling for sharp edges.
• Use edible markers or a toothpick for fine details.
• Cookies stay fresh up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Details

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Nutrition

• Calories: ~160 kcal
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg