When the holiday season arrives, there’s one cookie that seems to stand out above the rest—gingerbread. Its warm, spicy flavor and charmingly rustic appearance make it the perfect treat for cozying up with a cup of cocoa, decorating with festive icing, or even gifting to friends and family. But gingerbread isn’t just a delicious holiday tradition; it also has a rich history that dates back centuries. And you know us, we love our food history! Let's pay tribute to this ancient cookie, and then bake up the best gingerbread cookies for the holidays!
A Brief History of Gingerbread
Gingerbread has a long history that stretches far beyond its modern-day holiday fame. The spice ginger itself has been used for thousands of years, originally brought from Southeast Asia to Europe through trade routes. By the Middle Ages, ginger had become a popular ingredient in European kitchens, and gingerbread—first made as a bread or cake—became an important part of festive celebrations.
One of the most iconic early uses of gingerbread was in medieval European festivals. Bakers would shape the dough into intricate designs and bake them into small loaves or cakes that were often decorated with gold leaf or jewels. In fact, Gingerbread Houses—now a loved Christmas tradition—are thought to have been inspired by Gretel’s cottage in the (rather dark) fairytale Hansel and Gretel, where the children stumble upon a house made of candy and sweets.
Gingerbread cookies, as we know them today, evolved in the 16th century. In England, gingerbread became a popular treat for the royal court, with Queen Elizabeth I commissioning the creation of gingerbread cookies shaped like her guests, a precursor to the cookie cutter tradition we follow today. These cookies would often be decorated with colorful icing or sugar.
By the 19th century, gingerbread had firmly cemented itself as a holiday treat in Europe, particularly in countries like Germany, where lebkuchen (a type of gingerbread) is still a popular Christmas classic. And in the United States, the tradition of gingerbread men and houses took off, thanks in part to the influence of German immigrants.
Fun Gingerbread Facts
Gingerbread Houses: The tradition of making gingerbread houses is thought to have started in Germany after the publication of the Grimm Brothers’ fairytale Hansel and Gretel in 1812. The house made of candy in the story sparked the idea for edible gingerbread structures, and they quickly became popular around Christmastime.
The Largest Gingerbread House: Was built in Bryan, Texas and is 22 feet tall, and contains 22-feet-tall and contains 39,201.8 cubic square feet of gingerbread!
Symbol of Good Luck: In the Middle Ages, gingerbread was considered a symbol of good fortune and protection. Some even believed that it had magical properties and could ward off evil spirits.
The Spice Mix: The mix of spices used in gingerbread—typically ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and sometimes allspice—became known as “gingerbread spices.” This unique combination of flavors is what gives gingerbread its distinctive warm and comforting taste.
The Best Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Now, let’s get to what you’ve been waiting for—the absolute best gingerbread cookie recipe! This recipe is perfectly spiced, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. It has a perfect balance of spices and sweetness. It's great for cutting into fun shapes, decorating with royal icing, or simply enjoying as-is. Whether you’re making gingerbread men, stars, or hearts, these cookies are sure to delight. So gather your ingredients, roll out the dough, and get ready to enjoy these fragrant, delicious cookies with family and friends.
Ingredients:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses (preferably unsulfured)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decorating (Optional):
Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
Sprinkles, candy decorations, or colored sugar
Instructions:
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten each into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
Roll Out and Cut Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes (gingerbread men, stars, hearts, or even gingerbread houses).
Bake the Cookies:
Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and lightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
Cool and Decorate:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, and other fun edible decorations.
Once decorated, these gingerbread cookies are ready to serve! Whether you're enjoying them as part of a holiday celebration or packing them up as gifts, these cookies will bring the spirit of the season into your home.
The Perfect Holiday Cookie
Gingerbread cookies are more than just a tasty treat—they’re a holiday tradition rich in history and flavor. There are so many wonderful holiday traditions around the world to celebrate. From Hungarian Beigli to Italian pannetone, we hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful tradition of your own.
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