Spiced Celebration Cookies

We made cookies that taste like a party. They’re full of warm spices and sweetness. And trust us, they’re super yummy.

So here’s the deal. We mixed cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg together. The smell filled our whole house.

These cookies are crispy on the outside. They’re soft in the middle. And well, they taste like the holidays.

We baked them for a celebration. Everyone loved them so much. And people kept asking for the recipe.

You need to try these. Grab your spices and let’s bake. These Spiced Celebration Cookies are waiting for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor Explosion: A medley of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves makes these cookies irresistibly aromatic.
• Versatile & Customizable: Use your favorite cookie cutters and decorate them with royal icing or colorful sugar.
• Great for Gifting: Beautiful and delicious, they make wonderful homemade gifts.
• Beginner-Friendly: Easy-to-follow steps ensure success for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft yet sturdy, perfect for decorating and stacking.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend dry ingredients evenly.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough.
• Cookie Cutters: Choose shapes to match the occasion.
• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies.

Ingredients for Spiced Celebration Cookies

Cookie Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

Decorations

• Royal Icing: For intricate designs and details.
• Decorative Sugar: For a quick and colorful touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Wet Ingredients

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add the egg, molasses, vanilla extract, and fresh ginger (if using). Mix until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

2. Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

3. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown.
2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Decorate

1. Once the cookies are fully cooled, decorate them with royal icing or sprinkle them with decorative sugar. Get creative with designs that match your celebration theme!

Variations for Spiced Celebration Cookies

• Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Extra Spice: For a bolder flavor, increase the ground ginger or add a pinch of black pepper.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Dip the cookies halfway in melted chocolate or drizzle it over the top.
• Nutty Delight: Mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.

How to Serve Spiced Celebration Cookies

These cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

• On a Dessert Platter: Pair them with brownies, cupcakes, and candies for a festive spread.
• With Hot Beverages: Serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• As Party Favors: Package them in decorative bags or tins for guests to take home.
• In Cookie Swaps: Share them in a cookie exchange for variety and fun.

Storing Spiced Celebration Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Calories	Fat	Carbohydrates	Protein
120	5g	18g	1.5g

Spiced Celebration Cookies FAQs

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground flax/chia + 2.5 tablespoons water).

Can I use a hand whisk instead of an electric mixer?

Absolutely. It might require more effort, but a hand whisk and some elbow grease will work just fine.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Ensure the dough is properly chilled before rolling and cutting. If the dough warms up while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients.