SPICED MOLASSES GINGERBREAD CUT-OUTS

SPICED MOLASSES GINGERBREAD CUT-OUTS

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SPICED MOLASSES GINGERBREAD CUT-OUTS 🍪🎄

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Royal icing (for decorating, optional)
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)

Directions:

  1. Begin by preparing your work area. Clear a space on the countertop and have all your ingredients within reach. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot when your cookies are ready to bake.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined to create a uniform flavor profile for your cookies.
  3. In another bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the softened butter for about a minute until creamy. Gradually add in the brown sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Once fluffy, mix in the molasses until fully incorporated. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the dough is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
  5. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture of your gingerbread.
  6. Divide the dough into two portions, wrapping each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
  7. Once chilled, dust your work surface with flour. Take one portion of the dough and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Be mindful not to overbake them, as you want them to remain soft in the center.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. If desired, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles once completely cooled.

Additional Information:

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling time: 2 hours or overnight
  • Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
  • Total time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Servings: About 24 cookies

Notes:

  • The cooling time is crucial to prevent the cookies from breaking when transferring.
  • Feel free to adjust spices according to your preference.

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