There's something magical about Pink Gingerbread Christmas Cookies for a cozy winter. I remember the first time my daughter, Lily, and I made these together. We were covered in flour and laughter, and the kitchen smelled like a sweet holiday dream.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They add a festive touch to any holiday gathering.
- The pink color is so cheerful and fun.
- They taste just as good as they look.
- Decorating them can be a family activity.
Pure Comfort
These cookies are pure comfort. The warm spices of gingerbread mixed with a sweet pink icing create a delightful treat that warms your heart and home.
What You Need
- 3 cups 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 g) – Sifted for fluffiness.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp ground ginger – Gives that classic gingerbread flavor.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp ground cloves – For a hint of spice.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g) – Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar, packed (220 g) – For that rich flavor.
- 1 1 large egg – Room temperature for better mixing.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup molasses (170 g) – Adds moisture and flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g) – For the pink icing.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp milk – Adjust for icing consistency.
- As needed Pink food coloring – To achieve the desired shade.
Time to Cook
Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. The warmth will make your kitchen feel cozy as you mix the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. The spices will fill the air with a delightful aroma.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s pale and airy.
- Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Chill the dough for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator. This makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers are soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the pink icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.
- Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with the pink icing. Let them set before serving, and enjoy the festive fun!
Make It Perfect
- If the dough is too sticky, dust your hands and the surface with a bit of flour.
- For a fun twist, try adding sprinkles on top of the icing before it sets.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought gingerbread dough.
Mix It Up
- Try using different food coloring for a rainbow effect.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Use royal icing instead of powdered sugar icing for a firmer finish.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a cup of hot cocoa.
- Pair with peppermint tea for a refreshing contrast.
- Enjoy alongside a festive cheese platter.
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FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just chill it for up to 3 days in the fridge.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of molasses?
You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will change slightly.
How can I make the icing thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness.
Conclusion
These Pink Gingerbread Christmas Cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday season. With their delightful flavor and charming appearance, they embody the gingerbread aesthetic perfectly. So gather your loved ones and create some sweet memories together!
Pink Gingerbread Christmas Cookies for a Cozy Winter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add egg and molasses to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Chill the dough for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
- Prepare the pink icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring until smooth.
- Once cookies are cool, decorate them with the pink icing and let them set before serving.