The Best Ever Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
These are the best gingerbread cookies I have ever had. I prefer a gingerbread cookie you can actually taste the ginger in and let me tell you… these are ittt! Like everything we make here, they are made with all high quality healthy ingredients. That just makes for a little less guilt when you accidentally eat 10 of them.
These gingerbread cookies are the perfect holiday staple. The perfect mix of chewy with a little crunch, just the right amount of spice, and all the best ingredients. This recipe is very forgiving and you can add or take away spices to your liking.
Here is the key…
when mixing the butter, sugar, and eggs, mix for at least 5 minutes before adding in all the rest of the ingredients. It’s also important that the butter is room temperature, this is what I do for all my cookies and it brings them to the next level. I can tell a difference when I use butter straight from the fridge or if I soften it in the microwave (which I don’t recommend) but you can always do that if you’re in a pinch.
Chewy or Crunchy? What do you prefer?!
These gingerbread cookies are the best for more than just the flavor. They are so easy to adjust and make them your perfect cookie. First, place your scoop of cookie dough in a cup with a couple tablespoons of sugar and swirl it until fully covered. I prefer this method because it is far less messy than rolling it in your hands first. This dough is very sticky and you will make a huge mess if you try rolling with your hands.
This is where you get to decide… if you like a fluffier, thicker cookie like the picture above, place on the cookie sheet in a ball and bake just like that. If you like a thinner, chewier, crunchy cookie, I use a glass cup with a smooth, flat bottom to flatten each ball of dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. It helps if you put a little flour on the bottom to prevent sticking.
If you are making traditional gingerbread shaped gingerbread cookies, you are going to need LOTS of flour for dusting. Sometimes I will add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of flour to the dough directly before chilling and trying to roll out. This just helps keep it from sticking to everything and makes it much easier to roll out. I also recommend dipping the cookie cutter in a little bit of flour each time to prevent sticking.
The Ingredients
My Favorite Places to Shop for High Quality & Organic Groceries
These are my go-to places where I shop for high-quality and organic groceries – no matter where you live in the U.S.
Azure Standard
Azure is my go-to for buying all things bulk online. From wheat berries, to butter, to eggs, to frozen produce this is the best place to stock up on good, healthy food. They have very high standards for the items that they carry, so I trust that whatever it is I am buying that it cam from a good reputable source.
They do drops all over the US where you can meet to pick up your order. You can also have it shipped, but I have never done that because it tends to cost more. If you haven’t tried Azure yet, click this link to try it out, you definitely will not be disappointed. They are my favorite just because they offer things in bulk versus smaller sizes. I prefer bulk when possible because it tends to be cheaper but also causes less waste.
Basically all of my dry goods I get from Azure. I have also nailed down that it is the most cost effective place to buy frozen fruit for smoothies – however if you don’t have a deep freezer it will be a bit challenging to store as they come in slightly large boxes. I break them down into freezer bags that I reuse and make single use smoothie bags. It is much more managable this way, so just an idea to keep in mind.
Thrive Market
Thrive is the best place to shop for good quality snacks. I have noticed a lot of the things they sell come in smaller quantities, which is perfect if you have a small family. I love the Zum Clean Frankincense & Myrrh laundry detergent, Rosey Lemon dish washer detergent, The Good Crisp Jalapeño Crisps, and Chomps Grass Fed Beef Sticks. They also have great deals on organic spices, diapers, and organic chicken. They also have high standards, however they are more of a corporation than a family owned company so bear that in mind. You can save 40% off your first order when you use this link!
This Resurfacing Glycolic + Unicorn Root Cleanser is one of my favorites that I also get on Thrive. They have the best price and beat all my local stores.
Amazon
This one came as a surprise to me when I look back at my top places where I shop for organic groceries. When it comes to Amazon, I am normally ordering stuff for my home or for me. However, Amazon is getting more and more options as we speak.. or read in this case. That being said, it is important to price shop and check sizes of the items. There can be some “scammers” that price gouge, so just keep that in mind.
This cassava flour is one of my favorites that I got off of Amazon. While Amazon isn’t the first place I go for organic groceries, you can definitely find more specialty items for a great price. It is always worth checking out.
The Best Ever Gingerbread Cookies
The perfect combination of chew and crunch, sugar and spice, these gingerbread cookies are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Organic Ground Ginger
- 1 Tablespoon Organic Apple Pie Spice
- 1 Tablespoon Organic Cocoa Powder (optional)
- 2 Teaspoons Organic Cinnamon
- 1/2 Teaspoon Organic Ground Cloves
- 2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 Teaspoons Organic Vanilla Extract
- 1 Organic Free Range Egg
- 1 Cup Organic Old Fashioned Molasses
- 1 Stick Organic Salted Butter (Room Temperature)
- 1 Cup Organic Dark Brown Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Organic Sugar for Coating (for coating)
- 3 Cups Organic Freshly Ground or Organic All Purpose Flour
Instructions
- Add butter, sugar, and egg to mixer and mix on medium-high until sugar is fully dissolved ~5-10 min
- Add all remaining ingredients EXCEPT FLOUR slowly and allow to fully emulsify ~5 min
- Slowly incorporate the flour, sprinkling it in slowly on the lowest speed.
- Once all the flour is fully incorporated, cover the bowl with cling wrap or transfer to a plastic bag and slightly flatten into a disc shape.
- Place in the freezer and let chill for at least 1 hour or you can place in the fridge overnight.
- For Gingerbread Shape - Roll out dough into ¼ inch sheet and use cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place on a silicone lined or greased cookie sheet.
- For Sugar Coated (as pictured) - roll into small spheres, add sugar to cup and swirl dough to coat in sugar, then slightly flatten with the palm of your hand.
- Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes less for a more chewy cookie, more for a more crunchy cookie
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on baking sheet (they will be very gooey when they are fresh out of the oven) then transfer to cooling rack to fully cool.
- ENJOY!
Notes
This recipe is very forgiving and can be switched up fairly easily. If you prefer more spice, you can easliy add a teaspoon or more of your favorite spice and on the other hand, don't be afraid to take it out if you like a more subtle flavor.
Recommended Products
If you click on my links provided, I am going to receive a tiny commission, and… most of the time, you will receive a discount. It's a win/win for both of us! The products that I share are ones I believe in. You are supporting me when using the links provided and for that I am very grateful!
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Azure Market Organics Pastry Flour, Whole Wheat (Unifine), Organic -
Rumiano Family Organic Butter, Salted, Organic
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Wilcox Family Farms Eggs, Large Brown, Bulk, Organic
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Organic Ginger Powder
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Wholesome Sweeteners Brown Sugar, Dark, Organic, Fair Trade
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Azure Market Organics Cocoa Powder - Fair Trade
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Azure Market Organics Cane Sugar
