Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Gingerbread Star Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Holiday
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Gingerbread Star Cookies are a festive holiday favorite with a delightful mix of warming spices and a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for decorating with royal icing or powdered sugar, these cookies add a touch of magic to your Christmas celebrations or any winter gathering.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 1/4 cups (410g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

For Decoration:

  • Royal icing or powdered sugar
  • Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
    • Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
  2. Chill the Dough:
    • Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
  3. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  4. Roll and Cut:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
    • Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft.
    • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Decorate:
    • Once the cookies are fully cooled, decorate with royal icing, a dusting of powdered sugar, or your favorite sprinkles.

Notes

  • For crispier cookies, roll the dough thinner and bake for an extra 1-2 minutes.
  • The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
  • Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.