Description
Warm holiday spices dance through these delightful gingerbread cookies, inviting comfort and cheer. Maple glaze adds sweet complexity, promising memories of festive gatherings that welcome friends and family with delicious seasonal charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients (Cookies):
- 2 1/4 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1–2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Maple Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal cookie baking.
- Using a stand mixer, whip butter and granulated sugar until they transform into a light, airy mixture. Incorporate egg and molasses, blending until the ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
- In a separate vessel, thoroughly combine flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger. Gradually introduce this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive, soft dough emerges.
- Craft small spherical portions of dough, slightly smaller than golf balls. Generously coat each ball in sugar, creating a sweet exterior. Arrange on a lined baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes. Upon removal, allow cookies to cool and naturally flatten.
- Craft the maple glaze by whisking melted butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, milk, and salt until achieving a smooth, thick consistency. Adjust liquid slightly if needed to create a perfect dipping texture.
- Once cookies have completely cooled, immerse one side into the prepared glaze, letting excess drip away. For a festive touch, sprinkle decorative elements before the glaze solidifies.
Notes
- Soften butter at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create more defined cookies.
- Use fresh ground ginger for more intense, vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground spices.
- Swap molasses with honey for a lighter, sweeter alternative suitable for those who dislike intense molasses taste.
- Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better binding.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie version.
- Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain softness.
- For vegan adaptation, substitute egg with flax egg and use plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg