Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies

Delight in the festive spirit with these Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, baking parties, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this recipe brings a delightful mix of spices and sweetness to your table. With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll create cookies that are not only delicious but also beautifully decorated. The unique blend of flavors makes these cookies a standout treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses creates a warm and inviting taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Shapes: Use cookie cutters to make different shapes, perfect for decorating or gifting.
• Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can succeed.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday event or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Customizable Decor: You can decorate with icing or sprinkles to match your theme or personal style.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: A powerful tool that makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring they come off easily after baking.
• Cookie cutters: Allows you to create fun shapes for your gingerbread cookies, adding a creative touch.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 6 tbsp salted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon, ground
• 3/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp allspice, ground
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

How to Make Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Proper creaming helps create tender cookies by incorporating air into the butter.

Step 2: Mix in Other Ingredients

Add the molasses, egg, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, baking soda, and salt to the creamed mixture. Mix until the batter is completely smooth, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for even mixing. Freshly ground spices enhance flavor.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Mix just until a smooth dough forms with no dry streaks of flour remaining. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll chilled dough (from Step 3) to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with adequate space between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but not darkened. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—about 30 minutes—before decorating.

Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging!

How to Serve Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies

Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their warm spices and delightful flavors can be enhanced with various serving ideas that elevate the experience.

With Hot Drinks

• Hot Cocoa – Pair your cookies with a rich cup of hot cocoa for a comforting treat.
• Spiced Tea – Enjoy these cookies with a warm spiced tea, which complements their festive flavors.

As Holiday Gifts

• Gift Boxes – Arrange the cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbon to give as thoughtful gifts.
• Cookie Jars – Fill jars with cookies and layer them with festive decorations for a charming presentation.

Decorated for Festivity

• Royal Icing – Use royal icing to decorate the cookies, adding color and fun designs.
• Sprinkles – Top them with festive sprinkles for an extra pop of color that kids will love.

On a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Treats – Serve alongside other holiday treats like sugar cookies or brownies on a beautifully arranged dessert platter.

How to Perfect Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies

To ensure your Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips for baking success.

• Use Fresh Spices – Fresh ground spices enhance flavor significantly compared to pre-ground options.
• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough helps maintain shape during baking and improves texture.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Measure Flour Correctly – Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour, ensuring you don’t add too much and risk dryness.
• Monitor Baking Time – Check cookies at the lower end of the baking time to prevent over-baking; they should be set but not darkened.
• Cool Completely Before Decorating – Allow cookies to cool entirely before icing or adding decorations to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies

Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies can be enjoyed alongside various delightful side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here’s a list of great options:

1. Whipped Cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy texture that balances spice.
2. Fruit Compote – Serve with apple or pear compote for a sweet and tangy contrast that enhances the cookie’s flavor.
3. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which pair well with sweet baked goods.
4. Ice Cream – Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream creates a delicious dessert combination that’s sure to please everyone.
5. Nuts and Dried Fruit – A mix of nuts and dried cranberries provides a crunchy, chewy texture that complements the softness of the cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit as a refreshing side option that balances sweetness while adding creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies.

• Skipping the creaming step: Creaming butter and sugar is essential for light, fluffy cookies. Don’t rush it; take your time to achieve a smooth texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Always refrigerate for at least one hour.
• Overmixing the flour: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the flour is incorporated to keep them tender.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An accurate oven temperature is crucial for cookie success. Use an oven thermometer if needed and preheat properly.
• Not letting cookies cool completely: If you decorate warm cookies, the icing can melt off. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies.

What makes Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies special?

Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies are rich in spices and have a unique flavor profile that combines warmth and sweetness, perfect for any festive occasion.

Can I customize the spices in my gingerbread cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add extras like nutmeg or cardamom based on your taste preferences.

How long do Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months if frozen.

What is the best way to decorate Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies?

Use royal icing or fondant for detailed decoration, or simply dust with powdered sugar for an easy finish.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various spices or decorations according to your mood or occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through your kitchen!