SOFT GINGERBREAD COOKIES :: a sweet treat recipe

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Soft Ginger Bread Cookies  ||  a winter treat

I have tried numerous ginger bread cookie recipes over the years.  I finally found a keeper!!  I promise, you will love these cookies!  You might even do a happy dance when you realize how easy they are!

Last night I baked the cookies while we enjoyed spending time with my in-laws.  This morning, both girls were up earlier than usual, so we decided to frost and decorate the rest of our gingerbread cookies.

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When we move, I will definitely miss our huge island!  It's the perfect spot for both girls to sit and help in the kitchen.

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I have really been working on letting go of the inner-perfectionist in me, at least when it comes to activities with the girls.  I don't want them to feel like they can never measure up.  I want them to be brave, and try new things, even if at first, they fail.  And I definitely want to be their biggest cheer-leader, not a nagging voice in their ear!

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I want them to enjoy spending time with me, and doing activities with me.

So, when it comes to working in the kitchen, I give Addilyn her own cookies to decorate, or bread to roll into a ball, or her own cheese to grade.  She enjoys helping in the kitchen, and I can relax and not hover over her the entire time.  It's a win-win ;-)

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So, back to the cookies.

We baked them last night and frosted a hand full of them after they had completely cooled.  That's the trick, don't try to frost them when they are still warm, I promise you will be disappointed and maybe even frustrated (I know that from personal experience).

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I prefer mine with a tall glass of cold milk.

 Although, in the morning, I am sure I will prefer my little gingerbread man with a hot cup of coffee!

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The frosting has a hint of lemon, a perfect accompaniment to the gingerbread.

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These can be made any time of year, but they sure make the best little gingerbread men!!

the

Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon Frosting

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter, room temperature 
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg plus 1 yolk
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt 
  • 2 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/3 cup additional sugar for rolling

Lemon Frosting ~  Add the juice of one lemon, and 1 tsp. of lemon zest to a mixing bowl.  Add 3-4 cups of powered sugar and mix (with a mixer) until the frosting is smooth.  Add more powered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
  3. In bowl of stand mixer beat butter and sugar together for 2 minutes.
  4. Add in molasses and mix until incorporated.
  5. Beat in egg plus additional yolk, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Mix until smooth.
  6. Turn mixer to low and add in flour until dough comes together.
  7. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or longer.
  8. Roll dough and cut into desired shapes.
  9. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden.
  10. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes and then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.  Once cooled, frost with lemon frosting.

Notes

Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days….and enjoy!!!