As the holiday season approaches, the sight of falling snow brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to my kitchen. There’s a delightful moment when I open a jar of spices, and the mingled scents of ginger and nutmeg dance through the air, instantly transporting me to cozy winter gatherings. This year, instead of relying on store-bought treats, I wanted to create something special: Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies that are not only festive but also easy to whip up.
These cookies are the perfect blend of soft and spiced, adorned with a sugary glaze that beckons for a festive party or a family gathering. When I first made them, I was astounded at how quickly they disappeared. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll find that these charming snowflakes are both a feast for the eyes and a treat for your taste buds. So, let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe that will make your holiday season truly magical!
Why will you love Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies?
Irresistible Aroma: The delightful mix of ginger, nutmeg, and molasses fills your kitchen with warmth and cheer.
Festive Decor: Their snowflake shapes are perfect for holiday displays and make decorating fun for all ages.
Quick to Make: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have festive treats in no time!
Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: These cookies are sure to disappear at any gathering, earning you rave reviews.
Baking Made Easy: Don’t worry; even novice bakers can create these beauties with simple steps and minimal mess.
Customizable: Play around with decorations to match your holiday theme and let your creativity shine!
Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted sweet cream butter – provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
• Sugar – adds sweetness to balance the spices and molasses.
• Molasses – brings depth of flavor and that classic gingerbread taste.
• Large egg – helps bind the ingredients together for a soft texture.
• Cold water – keeps the dough firm before baking for perfect snowflakes.
• All-purpose flour – forms the structure of the cookies, giving them a wonderful chew.
• Ground ginger – infuses the dough with a warm spiciness that’s essential for gingerbread.
• Ground nutmeg – adds a nutty, fragrant note that complements the ginger.
• Allspice – introduces an aromatic blend, enhancing the holiday flavor profile.
For the Icing
• Egg whites – provide a light and fluffy structure to the icing.
• Cream of tartar – stabilizes the egg whites to achieve perfect stiff peaks.
• Vanilla – adds a lovely aroma and enhances the flavor of the icing.
• Powdered sugar – sweetens the icing and gives it that perfect glossy finish.
For Decorating
• White sanding sugar – adds a festive sparkle, making your cookies truly shine.
These Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies are not only a visual delight but a delicious treat that will illuminate your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!
How to Make Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and slide off easily when they’re done.
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Cream together the unsalted sweet cream butter, sugar, and molasses in a standing mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine the cold water into the mixture and blend until just mixed together. The consistency should be smooth and slightly runny, ideal for blending in the dry ingredients.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and allspice in a large bowl. This blend of spices will create the unmistakable holiday flavor in your cookies.
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Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir on low speed until combined, ensuring you don’t overmix, or the cookies may become tough.
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to bake to perfection.
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Cut out snowflake shapes using cookie cutters. Place the shapes onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for spreading.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops look slightly puffed. The color should be a lovely golden hue.
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Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial, as icing them while still warm can cause the icing to melt away.
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Prepare the icing by mixing the egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla, and powdered sugar in the standing mixer. Beat until stiff peaks form, which means the icing holds its shape beautifully.
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Transfer the icing into a piping bag for easy decorating. You can snip off a tiny bit of the tip for fine lines or larger openings for more extensive designs.
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Decorate your cooled cookies as desired, allowing your creativity to flow. Get playful with designs or stick to classic patterns!
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Dip the cookies, icing side down, into a plate of white sanding sugar. This adds a magical sparkle that catches the eye!
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Let the cookies dry on a cookie sheet for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the icing to set perfectly.
Optional: Add colorful edible glitter for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to savor their festive flavors without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only makes the dough easier to roll but also enhances the flavors. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the chilled dough and cut into shapes as usual. Additionally, the icing can be whipped up up to 3 days ahead; store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Just give it a quick stir before decorating your cookies for the best consistency. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday spirit!
Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Variations
Get ready to explore a world of delightful twists on your cookie creation journey, perfect for any festive occasion!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious GF version.
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Vegan: Replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan treat.
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Spice Up: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a dash of cayenne for an extra kick of warmth.
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Citrus Zest: Brighten the dough with the addition of 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to enhance the holiday flavor profile.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the iced cookies for a rich and decadent update.
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Nuts & Seeds: Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for a lovely crunch in every bite.
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Maple Glaze: Replace powdered sugar with maple syrup to make a thinner glaze with a naturally sweet flavor.
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Holiday Sprinkles: Top the iced cookies with festive sprinkles for added color and fun—perfect for kids and family gatherings!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to craft cookies uniquely yours, making your holiday season even more special!
What to Serve with Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies?
These delightful cookies are perfect for creating a whimsical holiday spread that will enchant everyone at your gathering.
- Hot Cocoa Bar: A steaming cup of rich hot cocoa complements the spices in the cookies, perfect for a cozy treat.
- Eggnog: This creamy, spiced beverage elevates the festive spirit, pairing beautifully with the warm ginger flavors.
- Spiced Pumpkin Pie: The warm spices in this seasonal favorite resonate with the gingerbread’s flavor, creating a comforting combination.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness provides a lovely contrast to the spiced cookies, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
- Fruit Salad: A light, fresh fruit salad offers a pop of color and balances the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
- Sugar Cookies: For a double dose of sweetness, serve with classic sugar cookies that can be decorated by kids and adults alike.
- Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai, with its aromatic spices, echoes the flavors of the cookies and adds warmth to your celebrations.
- Cheese Platter: Include some nutty and creamy cheeses to provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet cookies, creating a balanced feast.
- Warmed Spiced Cider: This deliciously fragrant drink enhances the festive atmosphere and pairs delightfully with gingerbread.
Embrace the joyous spirit of the season with these perfect accompaniments to your gingerbread creation!
How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, perfect for snacking any time!
Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 10 days. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the gingerbread snowflake cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Expert Tips for Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies
Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to chill for about 30 minutes before rolling it out; this prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which nobody wants!
Precision Matters: Use a precise measurement of flour. Too much can make your cookies dry. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for best results.
Uniform Shapes: For consistent baking, try to keep the shapes and sizes of your cookies uniform. This ensures even baking and a lovely presentation!
Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies are entirely cooled before icing. Icing warm cookies can result in a melty mess instead of beautiful decorations!
Storage Tips: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, but they’re unlikely to last that long!
Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of molasses is best for gingerbread cookies?
I recommend using unsulfured molasses for the best flavor in your Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies. This type offers a sweet and mild taste, allowing the spices to shine through without an overly bitter undertone, which is common in sulfured versions.
How should I store leftover gingerbread cookies?
To keep those delightful Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re looking to extend their shelf life, refrigeration works too—just make sure to seal them well to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze gingerbread cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies, first ensure they are completely cool. Then, layer them in a freezer-safe bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, and for a warm bite, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky and unmanageable, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface and your rolling pin. Gradually incorporate more flour into the dough, about a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. This should help you roll it out beautifully!
Are there any allergy considerations for these cookies?
Yes, the Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies contain eggs and gluten due to the all-purpose flour, which could pose issues for those with allergies. For egg-free alternatives, you can substitute the large egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken), though the texture may vary slightly. Always ensure your baking ingredients are allergen-free if preparing for guests with sensitivities; substituting gluten-free flour can also be an option for those avoiding gluten!
How can I make the icing stiffer for decorating?
If you desire a stiffer icing for your Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies, simply add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing until you reach your desired consistency. For very detailed designs, this stiffer icing will hold its shape perfectly, allowing your creative decorations to shine!
Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies That Spark Holiday Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Cream together the unsalted sweet cream butter, sugar, and molasses in a standing mixer. Mix on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the cold water into the mixture and blend until just mixed.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and allspice in a large bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring on low speed until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Cut out snowflake shapes using cookie cutters and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges are firm.
- Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the icing by mixing the egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla, and powdered sugar in the standing mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the icing into a piping bag for easy decorating.
- Decorate your cooled cookies as desired.
- Dip the cookies, icing side down, into a plate of white sanding sugar.
- Let the cookies dry on a cookie sheet for about 30 minutes before serving.