Gingerbread Cookie Dough

Prep: 20 min Cook: 11 min Serves: 15 Cuisine: American

Warm, spicy gingerbread cookies with rich molasses and aromatic spices, perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings, appealing to all ages with their festive flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/8 cups margarine
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup dark molasses
  • 5 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons cloves
  • 2 teaspoons ginger

Instructions

  1. Cream margarine, sugar, eggs, and molasses together.
  2. Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, then add to the creamed mixture.
  3. Mix until combined and shape the dough.
  4. Divide the dough and cut into 8-inch gingerbread men shapes.
  5. Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you don't have dark molasses, light molasses or honey can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder. Ensure your spices are fresh for the best taste. Chill the dough for at least an hour before cutting shapes to help maintain their form during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful gingerbread cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside a warm cup of cider or tea for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with Roxanne Ney'S Cranberry Salad for a festive touch. Consider decorating with icing or sprinkles for added fun, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gingerbread Cookie Dough contains roughly 437 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1088mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

437 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 23.5g 30% DV
Carbs 52.6g 19% DV
Fiber 2.8g 10% DV
Sugar 21.6g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1087.8mg 47% DV
Potassium 185.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 21.4mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.3mcg
Vitamin C 6.8mg 8% DV
Calcium 197.5mg 15% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Contains Egg 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 this dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and cutting shapes.

What if I don't have all the spices?

If you're missing some spices like cloves or ginger, you can substitute with a pumpkin pie spice mix, which typically includes these spices and more. Just remember that the flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe.

Can I decorate the cookies after baking?

Absolutely! Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can decorate them with royal icing, fondant, or colored sugar. This not only enhances their appearance but also makes for a fun activity, especially during the holidays.

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).

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