Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies.

1. Step 1

   Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop, creating a cozy workspace for your baking adventure.

2. Step 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, cloves, and any optional spices you’d like to add.

3. Step 3

   Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.

4. Step 4

   In another bowl, take softened butter and white sugar, and cream them together using an electric mixer.

5. Step 5

   Beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it turns a lovely pale yellow and becomes creamy.

6. Step 6

   Next, add in the molasses, vanilla extract, and an egg, whisking everything together until it’s perfectly combined.

7. Step 7

   Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together.

8. Step 8

   Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until no dry flour remains.

9. Step 9

   Once your dough is ready, lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter and transfer the dough onto it.

10. Step 10

    Shape the dough into a rectangle that’s about 1 inch high and 4 to 5 inches wide, then wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap.

11. Step 11

    Pop the dough into the refrigerator and let it chill for about an hour until it’s nice and firm.

12. Step 12

    While the dough is cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with a Silpat mat or parchment paper, setting the stage for your baking masterpiece.

13. Step 13

    After the dough has chilled, slice it into 14 or 15 pieces, each about 3/8 inch thick.

14. Step 14

    Cut each slice in half, then slice each half into 3 strips lengthwise.

15. Step 15

    Now comes the fun part! Take 3 strips of dough and arrange them to form a beautiful 6-pointed star shape.

16. Step 16

    Place your shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them, as they will spread while baking.

17. Step 17

    Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes for a chewy texture or 15 minutes for a crispier finish.

18. Step 18

    Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which should take about 30 minutes.

19. Step 19

    While you wait, let’s whip up some icing! Mix powdered sugar with just enough water to achieve a lovely ribbon-like consistency.

20. Step 20

    Transfer this sweet icing into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, and get creative by piping snowflake designs onto your cooled cookies.

21. Step 21

    Finally, gather your friends and family, serve up your festive gingerbread snowflakes, and enjoy the smiles they bring!.