New Delhi: With us entering the last month of the year and festivities just around the corner, there is something magical about the warm and spicy smell through the kitchens at many homes during this time. Gingerbread cookies are one such treat that is prepared fresh at home during the festivals for that nostalgic reminder to cosy afternoons, fairy-lit rooms and simple joy of seasonal baking.

Whether you’re decorating a Christmas tree, preparing edible gifts, or hosting a family baking day, gingerbread cookies always bring smiles. More than a recipe, gingerbread cookies are a seasonal ritual, and this guide walks you through every step for those making it for the first time or festive treat lovers.

Gingerbread cookies recipe

Gingerbread cookies stand out for their spiced warmth, crisp yet tender texture, and customisable shapes—ranging from gingerbread men to stars and snowflakes. The mix of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove brings depth and aroma that instantly signal winter festivities.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ⅔ cup molasses (or honey/jaggery syrup as a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Icing

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
• Food colours (optional)

Steps to prepare:

1. Take a bowl and add flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
2. Beat softened butter with brown sugar until it is fluffy and pale.
3. Mix the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to create a rich, earthy flavour.
4. Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir well until the dough is prepared.
5. Wrap the soft dough in cling film and refrigerate for 2 hours.
6. Dust a surface with flour, roll the dough 1/4-inch thick, and use a cutter to prepare shapes.
7. Place the cookies on a lined tray and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
8. Let the cookies rest on a cooling rack. Warm cookies are delicate and may crack.
9. Mix icing sugar and milk to create a thick glaze. Use piping bags or spoons to draw faces, borders, dots, and patterns.

Gingerbread cooking is the perfect start to your holiday season. It not only tastes delicious but also brings a sense of warmth, love and slow living. Whether you bake them for friends, family, school, office gifting, or simply to enjoy with hot chocolate, this recipe with ensure to serve the true flavours.