Gingerbread Recipe Card Ideas for Festive Baking Fun

As the holiday season approaches, the warm and inviting aroma of gingerbread fills kitchens and hearts alike. A classic gingerbread recipe is a must-have in every baker’s collection, offering a perfect blend of spices, sweetness, and nostalgia.

Whether you’re baking gingerbread cookies to decorate with your family or crafting a gingerbread house masterpiece, having a reliable recipe card on hand is invaluable. This recipe not only yields soft, flavorful gingerbread but also provides a straightforward guide suitable for bakers of all levels.

From the rich notes of molasses to the zesty kick of ginger and cinnamon, each bite is a comforting reminder of festive joy and cozy gatherings. Ready to get your hands flour-dusted and your oven warmed?

Let’s dive into this timeless gingerbread recipe card that will become your holiday favorite for years to come.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gingerbread recipe is beloved for its perfect balance of spice and sweetness, delivering tender, moist cookies with a hint of chewiness. The use of real molasses adds depth and richness, elevating the flavor beyond ordinary gingerbread.

It’s also incredibly versatile—ideal for cutting into festive shapes, stacking into charming houses, or simply enjoying fresh from the oven with a cup of tea or hot cocoa.

Moreover, this recipe is straightforward, with clear instructions and common pantry ingredients, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The dough is easy to roll and shape, and the resulting gingerbread keeps well, so you can bake ahead of time and enjoy the flavors for days.

Whether you’re baking solo or with kids, this recipe card will guide you to delicious success every time.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses (preferably unsulfured)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling racks
• Cookie cutters (optional, for festive shapes)
• Wire whisk or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add wet ingredients. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or stirring gently with a wooden spoon until a stiff dough forms.
5. Chill the dough. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step helps the dough firm up for easier rolling.
6. Preheat oven and prepare pans. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
7. Roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Keep the other disc refrigerated until ready.
8. Cut shapes and bake. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9. Bake. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and slightly darker. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft.
10. Cool. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Decorate. Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy plain. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips & Variations

“For perfectly soft gingerbread cookies, watch your baking time closely – even a minute too long can make them crispier than desired.”

Use fresh spices: For the most vibrant flavor, use freshly ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Pre-ground spices lose potency over time.

Molasses alternatives: If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, but molasses gives that signature rich depth.

Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, chilled for 5 minutes).

Spice it up: Add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom for an unexpected twist on classic gingerbread.

Decorations: Use royal icing, colored sugar, or edible glitter to add holiday cheer to your gingerbread cookies or houses.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Gingerbread cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with warm beverages like spiced tea, mulled wine, or creamy hot chocolate enhances the experience. Serve them alongside a platter of other holiday treats for festive gatherings.

For a more indulgent option, try crumbling gingerbread over vanilla ice cream or layering pieces in a trifle with whipped cream and fruit compote. They also make charming edible gifts—wrap in cellophane tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.

If you’re looking to expand your holiday baking repertoire, consider checking out our Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats or try some warm and comforting Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for a savory balance.

Conclusion

This gingerbread recipe card is your go-to guide for creating delicious, aromatic gingerbread treats that capture the essence of the holiday season. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s perfect for both seasoned bakers and those trying their hand at holiday baking for the first time.

The flexibility in the recipe allows you to customize flavors and decorations, making every batch uniquely yours.

Whether you’re baking for family celebrations, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself to a nostalgic moment, these gingerbread cookies deliver warmth, spice, and joy in every bite. Be sure to bookmark this recipe and explore other festive favorites like our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for year-round inspiration.

Happy baking and happy holidays!

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