Countdown to Christmas: Day 1 - Grandma's Classic Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Welcome to my Countdown to Christmas, where each day brings you a delightful treat, tip or trick to savor the festive spirit!

On Day 1, we're kicking off the holiday season with a timeless classic – Grandma's Classic Gingerbread Cookies.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

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3. 2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.

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7. 3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

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9. 4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until well combined.

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11. 5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well to form a soft dough.

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13. 6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

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2. 7. Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out your favorite holiday shapes.

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4. 8. Bake to Perfection: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Be cautious not to overbake for a soft and chewy texture.

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6. 9. Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Once cooled, unleash your creativity by decorating with icing, sprinkles, or your favorite edible adornments.

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8. 10. Share and Enjoy: Gather your loved ones, a mug of hot cocoa, and savor the warm, spiced aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. Share the joy with friends and neighbors or save them for cozy nights by the fireplace.

These Classic Gingerbread Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they're a taste of tradition, a bite-sized piece of holiday magic. Join us tomorrow for another delightful surprise on our Countdown to Christmas!