Gingerbread Cookie Cut Outs
Indulge in warmly spiced gingerbread cookies with rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie decorating fun for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix well the shortening, sugar, and molasses.
- In another bowl, mix the remaining ingredients together well.
- Pour the flour mixture into the molasses mixture and combine.
- Chill the dough for 2 to 3 hours.
- Preheat oven to 370°F (188°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Divide the dough into 3 parts. Put two parts back in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until edges are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the ginger and nutmeg slightly. Remember to chill the dough; this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. If you don’t have allspice, you can use a pinch of cinnamon instead. Always use fresh spices for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread cookie cutouts are perfect for decorating with royal icing or colored sugar for the holidays. Pair them with a warm cup of Red Hot Ski Tea for a cozy treat. They also make delightful gifts when packaged in festive tins. Consider serving them alongside Christmas Wreath Cookies for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gingerbread Cookie Cut Outs contains roughly 182 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply roll it out and cut out your shapes. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What if I don't have molasses?
If you don’t have dark molasses, you can use light molasses or a combination of honey and brown sugar as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious cookies.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough before chilling. Alternatively, you could use cookie cutters in holiday shapes and decorate them with colored icing and sprinkles after baking.
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).