This easy and delicious Pioneer Woman Gingerbread Cookies recipe is perfect for the holidays! These soft, spicy cookies are made with simple ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, and warm spices. Customize them with festive decorations for a fun, creative treat everyone will love. Ideal for a cozy winter afternoon!
Ingredients Needed
For the Cookies:
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup margarine or softened butter
- 1 1/2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp maple extract
For the Royal Icing:
- 2 lbs powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/3 cup whole milk (plus more for thinning if needed)
- 2 large egg whites
- Miscellaneous Decorations:
- Candies, sprinkles, and other decorations
How To Make Gingerbread Cookies
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, allspice, ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Using a mixer, beat together the margarine (or butter) and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add the molasses, mixing well and scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add in the eggs and maple extract and continue mixing. Gradually add the flour mixture in three batches, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or longer if you have the time).
- Roll and Cut the Dough: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the dough out of the fridge and let it soften slightly. Divide the dough into two portions for easier handling. Roll each half between two sheets of plastic wrap until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies, until they are firm but still soft in the center. Note: Bake shorter for smaller cookies or if you prefer a softer texture.
- Prepare the Royal Icing: Beat the powdered sugar, milk, and egg whites together until the icing is thick but still pipeable. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a fine tip (or use a squirt bottle).
- Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, decorate them with royal icing and your choice of candies, sprinkles, or other festive decorations. Allow the icing to fully set before serving or transporting.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. This helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to roll out.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. For softer cookies, bake for a shorter time, especially if you’re using smaller cutters.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh ground spices. This makes the gingerbread taste more aromatic and flavorful.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Let the Cookies Cool Completely: Before decorating, let the cookies cool completely. This prevents the royal icing from melting and ensures the decorations stay in place.
How To Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Freezeleftovers gingerbread cookies for 1-2 hours on a baking sheet. Then, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 1.5 oz)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 1g
More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Gingerbread Cookies
Description
This easy and delicious Pioneer Woman Gingerbread Cookies recipe is perfect for the holidays! These soft, spicy cookies are made with simple ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, and warm spices. Customize them with festive decorations for a fun, creative treat everyone will love. Ideal for a cozy winter afternoon!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, allspice, ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Using a mixer, beat together the margarine (or butter) and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add the molasses, mixing well and scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add in the eggs and maple extract and continue mixing. Gradually add the flour mixture in three batches, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or longer if you have the time).
- Roll and Cut the Dough: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the dough out of the fridge and let it soften slightly. Divide the dough into two portions for easier handling. Roll each half between two sheets of plastic wrap until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies, until they are firm but still soft in the center. Note: Bake shorter for smaller cookies or if you prefer a softer texture.
- Prepare the Royal Icing: Beat the powdered sugar, milk, and egg whites together until the icing is thick but still pipeable. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a fine tip (or use a squirt bottle).
- Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, decorate them with royal icing and your choice of candies, sprinkles, or other festive decorations. Allow the icing to fully set before serving or transporting.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. This helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to roll out.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. For softer cookies, bake for a shorter time, especially if you’re using smaller cutters.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh ground spices. This makes the gingerbread taste more aromatic and flavorful.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Let the Cookies Cool Completely: Before decorating, let the cookies cool completely. This prevents the royal icing from melting and ensures the decorations stay in place.
Pioneer Woman Gingerbread Cookies