Gingerbread Star Cookies

Gingerbread Star Cookies are a festive and delicious holiday treat. With their warm spices, molasses flavor, and crisp yet slightly chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for celebrating the season. Shaped like stars and often decorated with royal icing, they make a stunning addition to any cookie platter or a fun family baking project.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Holiday Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates the quintessential taste of the holidays.
• Beautiful Presentation: Shaped like stars, these cookies are eye-catching and perfect for gifting or decorating.
• Customizable: Decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a personalized touch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance, making holiday prep easier.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Molasses
• Vanilla extract

Optional for Decorating:

• Royal icing
• Sprinkles or edible glitter

Directions

this recipe

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
7. Bake: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies (depending on cutter size)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Gingerbread: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Lemon Icing: Add lemon juice to the royal icing for a bright citrusy contrast.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant twist.
• Festive Shapes: Use other holiday-themed cookie cutters, such as snowflakes or trees, for variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
• Freezing Cookies: Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Decorate after thawing for best results.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

2. What is the best way to keep the dough from sticking?

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, and roll the dough between sheets of parchment paper if needed.

3. Can I use blackstrap molasses?

Blackstrap molasses has a stronger flavor and may result in a slightly bitter cookie. Use regular unsulfured molasses for the best flavor.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough thoroughly and avoid overmixing the ingredients. Ensure the oven is preheated before baking.

5. Can I substitute honey for molasses?

Honey can be used, but the flavor will be milder, and the texture may differ slightly.

6. How do I make royal icing?

Combine powdered sugar, egg whites or meringue powder, and a few drops of water until a smooth, pipeable consistency is achieved.

7. Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes, mix finely chopped nuts or raisins into the dough for added texture and flavor.

8. How do I ensure even baking?

Roll the dough to an even thickness and bake cookies of the same size together on the same sheet.

9. What if I don’t have a star-shaped cutter?

You can use any cookie cutter shape you have, or cut shapes freehand with a knife.

10. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg, and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Star Cookies are a delightful holiday tradition that brings warmth and cheer to any celebration. With their classic spiced flavor, charming shape, and customizable decorations, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whip up a batch of these festive cookies to share with loved ones or to enjoy as a sweet seasonal treat!

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