Gingerbread People Cookies are gingery and spicy, more than perfect for a blustery winter day. These gingerbread cookies are a feast of the holiday season in every bite.
“Not even Christmas and we have presents. I wonder what it can be!”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Inspiration
A few weeks ago there were super cute jars of little Gingerbread People Cookies at Starbucks. They arrived when holiday thoughts were just a mirage of the cookie making season. Then they were gone. My obsessing about cookies is an annual tradition, Gingerbread People Cookies are this year’s contribution. I adore this time of year, I can bake all the cookies I want without any sideways glances or rolling of eyes about my butter and sugar obsessing. Decorating the jars for gifting was as much fun as making the cookies.
I’m fond of gingerbread that tastes of ginger. Molasses, cloves and cinnamon play the supporting role, ginger is the star. So of course, I followed the recommendation and added a full half cup of candied ginger to the basic recipe for Gingerbread People Cookies from Cook’s Illustrated, Baking Illustrated cookbook. These very unassuming little Gingerbread People Cookies pack a ton of holiday flavor. Everyone wanted more of these little cookies. I passed the Gingerbread People Cookies out in groups of three. The pop of flavor from ginger is irresistible. Holiday bonus time when adults smile as the tiny Gingerbread People Cookies dance into outstretched hands.
Essentials
The dough is super soft. My recommendations—after mixing, cut into four parts and wrap each piece of dough in parchment. Keep the Gingerbread People Cookies dough chilled in the refrigerator. Roll the soft dough between two sheets of parchment and then freeze for ten minutes before cutting into shapes, then bake. Freezing the cut out cookies before baking had no effect on the dough spreading while baking. Scraps of dough can be gathered together and made into more cookies. Roll thinner for crisp Gingerbread People Cookies that will travel and dunk, thicker for a softer version. Either way the sizzle of winter spice will warm your weary holiday spirit.
Just wanted to stop back by and wish you a Happy New Year.
Thank you Karen! May you have a fabulous 2019!
What a cute idea for hostess gifts…I love gingerbread. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Thank you Karen! Merry Christmas!
I love these, Deb. Adorable & delicious! What sweet gifts they’d make in those jars with the cutter on top. I adore it! And thank you for the tips for working with the dough — I found it’s often tricky. Happy holiday season to you!
Thank you for the cookie love Valentina!
We have some frost early in the morning, at last, and look to the sky occasionally hoping to see a snowflake or two for Christmas. Your Gingerbread People Cookies are perfect to have with coffee in the morning during such a cold weather. Thank you Deb !
Thank you 2 pots!
I would love to try these cookies, the recipe looks great. Your post is so beautiful and gets me into the Christmas spirit. Thanks Deb!
Thank you Gerlinde! I appreciate the kind comment.
Such festive gingerbread cookies, these look perfect!
Thank you Laura!
they are little and fun Deb! I wish I could dunk several in a glass of milk.
Thank you Denise! Milk is an excellent dunking idea!
I haven’t made gingerbread people in ages and ages. I had forgotten how soft the dough can be until you mentioned it — good tips on dealing with that. And nice recipe — agree that ginger should star, the other flavors should play supporting roles. Thanks!
Thank you John! Ginger is such a wonderful winter flavor, warming and just enough spice!