Smoky Mountain Gingerbread Cookies
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Smoky Mountain Gingerbread Cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends during your winter adventures in the Smokies. These spiced cookies are not only delicious but also fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses—just the kind of cozy treat to enjoy after a day of exploring the beautiful winter landscape.
Ingredients:
- For the Cookies:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing (optional):
- 2 egg whites (or 1/2 cup egg white powder)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches a workable consistency.
- Chill: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes (gingerbread men, stars, or holiday-themed shapes) and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional): If desired, prepare the royal icing by beating the egg whites and lemon juice together, then gradually adding the powdered sugar until smooth. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and food coloring as desired.
- Enjoy: Share these festive cookies with loved ones or package them as gifts to spread holiday cheer!
Tips:
Get creative with decorations—use candies, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch!Introduction to Gingerbread Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment.
Gingerbread cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. They are sure to be a hit when you bake them during your visit to Baby Bear Den in Gatlinburg, providing warmth, flavor, and festive cheer!