Elizabeth Welch'S Gingerbread Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Elizabeth Welch's Gingerbread Cookies feature warm spices and rich molasses flavor, perfect for festive occasions or holiday gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 1 tsp soda
  • 6 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar; add egg and molasses.
  2. Sift dry ingredients (flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, salt).
  3. Dissolve soda in hot water.
  4. Add dry ingredients alternately with soda mixture to the creamed mixture.
  5. Knead until well mixed; chill several hours in a covered bowl.
  6. Roll out on a floured board or waxed paper.
  7. Cut out with a cookie cutter.
  8. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes on a greased cookie sheet.
  9. Use Royal Icing for decorating.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly. If you don't have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will differ. Ensure your spices are fresh for the best taste. For a fun twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits. This recipe can be adapted to make a gingerbread house using the same dough.

Serving Suggestions

These gingerbread cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with hot cocoa or a cup of tea. Consider decorating with Royal Icing and sprinkles for a festive touch. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes. For a delightful dessert, serve alongside Dorothy'S Ice Cream for a sweet treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Elizabeth Welch'S Gingerbread Cookies contains roughly 63 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

63 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.9g 1% DV
Carbs 13.2g 5% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 420.8mg 18% DV
Potassium 96.3mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 26.3mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.7mg 4% DV
Calcium 36.4mg 3% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure proper texture. The flavor may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

How can I make these cookies spicier?

To add more spice, consider increasing the amount of ginger or adding a pinch of cloves to the mix. You can also experiment with different spice blends to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.

What is the best way to decorate these cookies?

Royal Icing is a popular choice for decorating gingerbread cookies. You can create intricate designs or simply outline shapes. For added fun, use colored sugars or edible glitter. Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or storing.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →