Mrs. Claus Famous Gingerbread Recipe

Dawn November 27, 2019

Here is my the most fantastic gingerbread cookies recipe and particularly loved by the Elves in the North Pole. Soft in the center, but with crispy goodness on the edges, perfectly spiced, holiday goodness. 

Ingredients

  • 10 Tablespoons (2/3 cup; 145g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup (200g) molasses
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 and 1/2 cups (437g) all-purpose flour,
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon ground ginger (The elves love the spice!)
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • optional: decorate with royal icing and sprinkles.

Instructions

  • In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium-high speed until combined and looking super creamy. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla on high speed for 2 full minutes. NOTE: The butter may separate; that’s ok.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and ground cloves together until combined. On low speed, slowly add the dry mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be quite thick and slightly sticky. Divide dough in half and place each onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap each up tightly and pat down to create a disc shape. Chill discs for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days. Chilling is a must.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.  Set aside.
  • Remove 1 disc of chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Generously flour a work surface, as well as your hands and the rolling pin. Don’t be afraid to continually flour the work surface as needed- this dough can be sticky. Roll out until the disk is about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into shapes. Place shapes on your prepared baking sheets. Repeat with remaining disc of dough.
  • Bake cookies for about 9-10 minutes. Be sure to rotate the baking sheet once during bake time.
  • Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely. Once completely cool, decorate and enjoy