Gingerbread (German Spice Cookies)

There’s something magical about the warm smell of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven. These German spice cookies are a holiday favourite. They’re filled with warm flavours like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

This recipe brings a bit of old-world charm to your kitchen. It’s perfect for baking for the tree, sharing with friends, or enjoying with tea.

Why you’ll love this recipe

You’ll love this gingerbread recipe! It’s packed with warm spices that make your kitchen smell like the holidays. The dough is easy to handle and roll out. It keeps its shape well, so you can cut fun cookie designs easily. These cookies taste great!

They’re perfect for decorating, giving as gifts, or hanging on the Christmas tree. Plus, they keep well for days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy holiday schedules. Baking them is a fun project to share with kids, friends, or anyone who loves seasonal traditions.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheet + parchment paper

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Optional: icing or sprinkles for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dough

Start by creaming together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add an egg and molasses, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Slowly combine dry and wet ingredients until a thick dough forms.

Tip: If your dough feels sticky, add a spoonful of flour. If it’s too dry, splash in a teaspoon of milk.

2. Chill Before Rolling

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes rolling easier and helps the cookies hold their shape.

3. Roll and Cut

Lightly flour your work surface and roll dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to make classic gingerbread men, stars, or any shape you like. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, depending on size. Cookies should be firm around the edges but slightly soft in the middle—they’ll continue to set as they cool.

5. Cool and Decorate

Let cookies cool completely before decorating with royal icing or sprinkles. If you’re gifting them, let icing dry fully before packaging.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Room temp: Keep in an airtight container up to 7 days.
• Freezing dough: Wrap well and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge before rolling.
• Freezing baked cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies up to 3 months.
• Serving: Enjoy with tea, coffee, or a glass of warm milk.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	110 kcal
Carbohydrates	20 g
Sugars	9 g
Protein	1 g
Fat	3.5 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Sodium	90 mg
Fiber	0.5 g
Iron	0.8 mg

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for later.

2. Why do my cookies spread too much? The dough may have been too warm—always chill before rolling.

3. Can I use honey instead of molasses? Yes, though the flavor will be lighter and less rich.

4. How do I keep gingerbread cookies soft? Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

5. Do I need to decorate them? Not at all—they taste delicious plain, too!

Wrapping It Up

Gingerbread cookies are not a sweet treat; they’re bites of holiday tradition. The rich spices, the fun of cutting shapes, and the joy of decorating make them a recipe you’ll come back to every year. These German spice cookies are great for family gatherings, gifts, or with coffee. Each bite brings comfort and cheer.