Gingerbread Cookies

Name: Gingerbread Cookies
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 30
Ingredients: 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/3 cup shortening; 1 1/2 cups dark molasses; 2/3 cup cold water; 7 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 4 to 5 tablespoons half-and-half; Food colors, if desired; Raisins or chocolate chips, if desired; Assorted candies, if desired

45 Minutes Prep3 Hours 15 Minutes Total
30 Servings
270 Calories per Serving

This classic gingerbread cookie is one of our favorites. The combination of ginger, allspice, cloves and cinnamon makes a cookie that is as fragrant as it is delicious.

Ingredient List

Cookies

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups dark molasses
2/3 cup cold water
7 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting and Decorations

4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 to 5 tablespoons half-and-half
Food colors, if desired
Raisins or chocolate chips, if desired
Assorted candies, if desired

Preparation

In large bowl, beat brown sugar, shortening, molasses and water with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon, until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet lightly with shortening or spray with cooking spray. On floured surface, roll dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut with floured gingerbread cutter or other shaped cutter. On cookie sheet, place cutouts about 2 inches apart.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
In medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla and half-and-half until frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add food colors as desired. Frost cookies; decorate with raisins, chocolate chips and candies.

Tips

Versatile gingerbread! Did you know that a few crumbled unfrosted gingerbread cookies make an excellent thickener for pot roast gravy?
Using a container of Betty Crocker® frosting can save you a few precious moments during the busy holiday season.
Rise to the occasion! If using self-rising flour, there is no need to add baking soda and salt.
Making and decorating gingerbread cookies is a fun tradition during the holiday season. Setting up a decorating station is a great way to keep children occupied during a cookie swap or holiday party. Kids can get as creative as they like with these gingerbread boys and girls as a blank canvas. If you want to start this recipe ahead to save yourself some time during the crazy-busy holiday season, unbaked cookie dough can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Expecting some gluten-free guests to your holiday party? This gluten-free gingerbread cookie recipe is an excellent option to make for them. Want to know how to bake the perfect cookies every time? We’ve got 10 tips to get you started!

Nutrition Information

Servings: 30

Serving size: 1 Cookie

Amount per serving (Calories ): 270

Nutrition Facts
Food component / Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Total Fat	3g	4%
Saturated Fat	1g	4%
Trans Fat	0g	% Value not available
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	135mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	58g	19%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Soluble Fiber	0g	% Value not available
Sugars	32g	% Value not available
Protein	3g	% Value not available
Vitamin D	Value not available	0%
Vitamin E	Value not available	0%
Calcium	Value not available	4%
Iron	Value not available	15%
Potassium	310mg	9%
Thiamin	Value not available	15%
Riboflavin	Value not available	8%
Niacin	Value not available	10%
Vitamin B6	Value not available	6%
Vitamin B12	Value not available	0%
Pantothenic Acid	Value not available	2%
Phosphorus	Value not available	4%
Magnesium	Value not available	15%
Zinc	Value not available	0%
Manganese	Value not available	30%
Selenium	Value not available	20%
Copper	Value not available	8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.