Baking Christmas Memories: Rolled Gingerbread Cookies

A Kid-Friendly Christmas Cookie Recipe

Here's a delightful Christmas cookie recipe that you can enjoy with your children, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Rolled Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are mildly spiced, making them perfect for kids. If you prefer a spicier gingerbread, increase the ground cinnamon and ginger to 1 tablespoon each. The dough can be shaped into gingerbread people and decorated with raisins, red hots, and chocolate chips before baking. Alternatively, cut the dough into any shape and decorate the cookies with icing.

Ingredients

• 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup dark molasses (not light or blackstrap)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and water, beating until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
3. Combine Mixtures: Add the flour mixture all at once and mix on low speed until the dough forms a ball.
4. Chill Dough: Divide the dough into three equal balls. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. (The dough can be frozen for up to 1 month; defrost in the refrigerator before use.)
5. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out a ball of dough to 1/8-inch thickness using a lightly floured rolling pin. Cut the dough into gingerbread people or other desired shapes and place on the prepared baking sheet. Decorate with raisins, red hots, small gumdrops, and/or chocolate chips if making gingerbread people. Refrigerate the scraps.
7. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies until firm, about 8 minutes. Slide the entire parchment sheet with the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough balls and chilled scraps, using fresh parchment paper.
8. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with icing as desired.

Storage

Rolled Gingerbread Cookies will keep in an airtight container for several days.

Fun Facts and Stats

• Gingerbread History: Gingerbread has been a holiday staple since the 16th century. The first known recipe for gingerbread came from Greece in 2400 BC. (Source: Smithsonian Magazine)
• Baking Popularity: According to a 2020 survey, 93% of Americans bake cookies during the holiday season, with gingerbread being one of the top choices. (Source: Statista)
• Health Benefits: Ginger, a key ingredient in gingerbread, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion. (Source: Healthline)

Conclusion

Baking gingerbread cookies is more than just a culinary activity; it's a way to create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to bring joy and deliciousness to your holiday season. Enjoy the process, and don't worry if your cookies aren't perfect—it's the memories that count.

Recipe reprinted from "Mom's Big Book of Baking" by Lauren Chattman, with permission from Harvard Common Press.