Rolled Gingerbread Cookies

Prep: 180 min Cook: 7 min Cuisine: American

Delicious rolled gingerbread cookies with warm spices and a hint of molasses, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, appealing to those who love classic holiday flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. shortening
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 c. molasses
  • 2 tsp. ginger
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 5 c. flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp. soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. cloves
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • small amount of milk if too dry

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients and chill the dough for 3 hours.
  2. After chilling, roll the dough into 2-inch balls.
  3. Roll each ball in sugar and crisscross with a fork to flatten.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 7 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a slightly softer cookie, consider reducing the baking time by a minute. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the ginger or cinnamon. Substitute half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. Chilling the dough is crucial for easier rolling and better texture, so don’t skip that step. If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of milk to achieve the right consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These rolled gingerbread cookies are delightful on their own or can be served with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa. They also pair beautifully with Frostin The Snowman Eggnog during holiday gatherings. Consider decorating them with royal icing for a festive touch or serving alongside Christmas Doughnuts for a sweet treat platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Rolled Gingerbread Cookies contains roughly 1252 calories, with 26g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2409mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).

1252 kcal 63% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.7g 51% DV
Total Fat 22g 28% DV
Carbs 245g 89% DV
Fiber 12.7g 45% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2408.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 1436.8mg 31% DV
Cholesterol 208.8mg 70% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 182mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 24.4mg 27% DV
Calcium 470.8mg 36% DV
Iron 10.5mg 58% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 use butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. However, the texture may be slightly different, resulting in a chewier cookie. If you choose butter, consider chilling the dough a little longer to help maintain shape during baking.

What can I use if I don't have molasses?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey, although the flavor will differ slightly. For a closer match, mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 1/4 cup of water to mimic the consistency and taste of molasses.

How do I make these cookies more festive?

To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles before baking or decorating them with icing after they cool. You can also shape them into holiday-themed figures using cookie cutters, which adds a fun touch to your holiday dessert table.

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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