Save These playful gingerbread cookies are my favorite way to kick off the holiday baking season especially when I have a crowd of kids or just want the project to feel pure fun instead of fussy. The best part is that you can use any gingerbread dough and invite everyone to decorate without worrying about perfection. Sprinkles and icing go everywhere and that is exactly the spirit of this recipe.
I first whipped up these cookies during a snowy December afternoon with my cousins and we ended up laughing at the wild results. Every batch since has been different and even more memorable.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread cookie dough: Whether store bought or homemade, gives the classic base. Pick one with lots of warm spice and a hint of molasses for best flavor.
- Royal icing: For decorating, sticks well to cookies and dries for mess free handling. Buy pre made or whisk it up quick with powdered sugar and egg whites.
- Assorted sprinkles, candies, and edible glitter: Add pops of color and sparkle. Look for bright festive shapes at your local baking shop or supermarket.
- Quality components: Opt for high quality dough and icing for best taste and texture and choose decorations with simple ingredients if possible.
Instructions
- Roll and Shape:
- Roll out gingerbread dough on a floured surface to one quarter inch thickness for cookies that hold their shape and bake evenly. Take your time here so the cookies are not too thin or thick.
- Cut and Transfer:
- Cut into any shapes you like using cookie cutters. Classic gingerbread people work great but stars, trees, or circles give lots of options. Carefully move shapes to a lined baking sheet with a spatula to avoid stretching.
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake the cookies following the instructions for your dough, usually eight to ten minutes. Cookies should be set at the edges but a little soft in the middle. Let them cool completely on a rack so icing will not melt.
- Decorate:
- Spread or pipe royal icing on fully cooled cookies and scatter with as many sprinkles, candies, or glitters as you like. Let your creativity lead the way and do not worry about neatness or patterns.
Save Sprinkles are my secret joy for these cookies because my grandmother always kept a big jar of them for spontaneous baking afternoons. My kids have turned it into a holiday tradition where no two cookies look the same and everyone gets to be the most creative decorator.
Storage Tips
Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture. Decorated cookies also freeze well—just layer them with parchment to prevent sticking and let them come to room temperature before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Gluten free gingerbread dough or vegan royal icing work perfectly for allergies. If you run out of royal icing, use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or fruit juice. For decorations, look for allergen friendly brands or use dried fruit and seeds for natural color.
Serving Suggestions
Pile these cookies onto a festive platter for holiday parties or wrap in cellophane bags for cheerful gifts. Kids love decorating stations where they can pick their toppings and set up their own creations. Serve with mugs of hot cocoa or tea for a cozy treat.
Cultural and Holiday Traditions
Gingerbread cookies date back centuries in holiday celebrations across many cultures. The modern chaos style is all about togetherness and joyful messiness in the kitchen which reflects the best part of holiday baking. Making these cookies every year brings back memories of family who shaped gingerbread into hearts, stars, and everything in between.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use pastel sprinkles and flower shapes for springtime gatherings. Try spooky eyes and orange icing for a Halloween twist. Swap in fresh herbs like rosemary or citrus zest in your dough for a grown up winter version.
Success Stories
One reader shared that her preschool class had a blast with this recipe, each child ending up with a uniquely wild cookie to take home. Another friend uses it for office cookie swaps and says the wild designs always get compliments. It truly is the perfect shareable baking project where messy looks mean more fun.
Freezer Meal Conversion
If you want to get ahead for a busy season, freeze unbaked cookie dough already cut into shapes on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag. Thaw briefly before baking as usual. Decorated cookies also freeze beautifully, just be sure icing is fully dry to avoid smudges.
Save Have fun in the kitchen and let everyone create their own gingerbread cookie masterpiece. The laughter and color will be the best part of your baking day.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of dough works best?
A classic gingerbread dough, either homemade with molasses or store-bought, is ideal for these cookies.
- → How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thick for a soft center and crisp edges that hold their shape well.
- → What decorations can I use?
Decorate with royal icing, a mix of sprinkles, candies, and edible glitter for vibrant, creative designs.
- → Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The decorating process is simple and fun, making it perfect for little helpers and festive gatherings.
- → How can I make this dessert allergen-friendly?
Opt for gluten-free dough and egg-free icing as necessary, always checking labels for allergens.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead?
Yes, chill the dough for up to 2 days before rolling and baking, or freeze for longer storage.