Basic gingerbread
This basic gingerbread recipe combines the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a hint of maple syrup, creating a versatile dough for cookies or a gingerbread house. Simple to make, it’s a festive treat perfect for any holiday occasion.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 120 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 egg
3 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tbsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 garlic cloves
Gingerbread is a timeless holiday classic that fills your home with the warm, inviting scents of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whether you're baking cookies to decorate or creating a charming gingerbread house, this basic gingerbread recipe is simple yet delicious, providing a wonderful treat for both young and old alike.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the maple syrup and mix until fully incorporated.
- Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring well after each addition.
- Mix until a smooth, homogenous dough forms.
- Add the minced garlic and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or shape the dough into your desired form by hand.
- Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the gingerbread to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, enjoy your gingerbread cookies as they are, or decorate them with icing or decorations of your choice.
Enjoy your freshly baked gingerbread with a cup of hot cocoa or share the joy by gifting it to friends and family. With its delightful blend of spices and rich flavor, this gingerbread is sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking tradition.
Basic gingerbread FAQ:
Bake the gingerbread cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Gingerbread cookies are done when the edges start to turn golden brown. They may look slightly soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with an equal amount of honey or another liquid sweetener, but this may slightly alter the flavor.
Store leftover gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
You can use a standard baking sheet for gingerbread cookies, ideally a half-sheet pan, ensuring you leave space between the cookies when placing them on the sheet.
Tips:
- Make sure to soften the butter at room temperature before starting, as this will make creaming easier.
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Chilling the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out can prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking and to ensure an even thickness.
- To avoid tough cookies, mix the flour into the wet ingredients just until combined; overmixing can result in a denser texture.
- If using the dough to make a gingerbread house, make sure to roll it slightly thicker to ensure sturdiness.
- Let the gingerbread cookies cool completely before decorating to ensure the icing sets properly.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 350kcal
Protein 7g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 2.02g
Sugar 14g
Fat 13g
More recipes
Grilled monterey jack and corn quesadillas
Quick and cheesy Monterey Jack and corn quesadillas, perfect for snacks.
19 Jan 2026Warm apple-orange almond toast spread
Enjoy a warm and nutritious apple-orange almond toast spread.
08 Jan 2026Turkey spinach omelet with cheddar cheese
A hearty turkey spinach omelet with cheddar cheese.
17 Jan 2026Tofu scramble with kale and red pepper
A delicious tofu scramble with kale and red pepper, perfect for any meal.
02 Feb 2026Strawberry, cashew and avocado cream smoothie
A creamy strawberry, cashew, and avocado smoothie.
21 Nov 2025