Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally. Watch closely as it melts, foams, and then starts to brown, developing a rich, nutty aroma and dark golden color, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the browned butter with brown sugar and molasses. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated. Add the egg and beat until creamy and evenly mixed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute spices and leavening.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until fully combined but not overworked. The dough should be firm and cohesive.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to prevent spreading and enhance flavor melding.
- Roll and Cut: Lightly flour a workspace and roll dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer them gently to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Avoid overbaking for chewy results.
- Cool and Decorate: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or enjoying plain with a warm beverage.
Notes
- Butter Browning Watch: Monitor the butter attentively to avoid burning; it quickly shifts from browned to burnt.
- Perfect Dough Chill: Chilling the dough is essential for manageable rolling and improved flavor.
- Even Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Parchment prevents sticking and aids in even baking.
- Spice Freshness: Use fresh spices for vibrant, potent flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains gluten; see variations for Gluten-Free and Vegan options
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: gingerbread, browned butter, holiday cookies, chewy gingerbread, spiced cookies, holiday baking, gingerbread cookies