Embossed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, eye-catching treat that tastes as good as it looks, embossed gingerbread cookies are the perfect choice. These cookies bring a delightful combination of warm spices and the beauty of intricate designs, making them an ideal addition to your holiday baking traditions. Whether you’re crafting edible gifts or decorating a holiday spread, these cookies will impress family and friends alike.

What Are Embossed Gingerbread Cookies?

Embossed gingerbread cookies are classic spiced cookies featuring beautiful designs imprinted using an embossed rolling pin. The dough is flavored with molasses and a blend of holiday spices, creating a warm, rich flavor. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season and make a stunning presentation on cookie platters or as edible decorations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Designs: Impress your guests with beautifully detailed cookies.
• Perfect Texture: Soft yet firm enough to hold their embossed patterns.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared and chilled in advance.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (120 ml) molasses
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the egg and molasses, beating until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a firm dough forms.

Chilling the Dough

5. Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap.
6. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out and to enhance the flavors.

Shaping the Cookies

7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness on a lightly floured surface.
9. Use an embossed rolling pin to imprint the dough, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters.

Baking the Cookies

10. Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them for an additional 10 minutes to retain their design.
11. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just firm.
12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these cookies with a mug of spiced hot cocoa or mulled cider.
• Use them as edible gift tags by punching a hole before baking and threading a ribbon through once cooled.
• Arrange them on a holiday platter alongside other festive treats like peppermint bark or sugar cookies.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to preserve the embossed designs.

Freezing Instructions

• For Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.
• For Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
• Spice Adjustments: Add cardamom or reduce cloves for a personalized flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use a regular rolling pin instead of an embossed one?
Yes! Your cookies will still be delicious and can be decorated with icing or sprinkles instead.

Why do the designs sometimes disappear during baking?
This can happen if the dough is too warm. Be sure to chill the cookies before baking to help them retain their patterns.

Can I substitute honey for molasses?
Molasses provides a distinctive flavor and color, but you can substitute honey for a milder taste.

Embossed gingerbread cookies are a beautiful and flavorful addition to any holiday celebration. Their warm spices, rich molasses flavor, and stunning designs make them a joy to bake and share. Try this recipe for your next festive gathering, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite patterns and spices. Share your creations and spread the holiday cheer!

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