Name: Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies: A Festive Delight to Bake Together
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (Substitution: Use coconut oil for a vegan option.); 1 cup Sugar (No substitutions necessary for key flavor.); 1/2 cup Molasses (Opt for unsulfured molasses for the best flavor.); 1 large Egg (Substitution: Flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for vegan.); 2 tbsp Cold Water (No alternative suggested.); 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitution: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.); 1 tbsp Ground Ginger (No substitutions necessary.); 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg (No substitutions necessary.); 1 tsp Allspice (No substitutions necessary.); 2 large Egg Whites (No substitutions suggested.); 1 tsp Cream of Tartar (No substitutions necessary.); 1 tsp Vanilla (No alternatives suggested.); 3 cups Powdered Sugar (No substitutions necessary.); 1/4 cup White Sanding Sugar (No substitutions suggested.)

As I pulled my first batch of Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies from the oven, the kitchen was instantly transformed into a cozy holiday haven, filled with the sweet, nostalgic scent of ginger and molasses. These festive cookies are not just a treat; they’re a joyful activity perfect for those chilly afternoons when you need something to warm your heart. With an easy-to-follow recipe that takes only 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll discover how simple it can be to bring a touch of holiday magic into your home. Plus, this recipe allows for vegan and gluten-free adaptations, ensuring everyone can partake in the fun! Ready to make your own beautiful snowflakes, adorned with sparkling icing? Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure!

Why Are These Cookies So Special?

Festive Delight: The stunning snowflake shapes and sparkling icing make these cookies a holiday centerpiece that will capture everyone’s attention.
Easy-to-Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this simple recipe with just a few steps ensures success every time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the process.
Versatile Options: With vegan and gluten-free adaptations, everyone can savor these delightful cookies, making them perfect for any gathering.
Irresistible Aroma: The warm spices of ginger, nutmeg, and molasses create an inviting scent that fills your kitchen and beckons your guests to indulge.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in pretty boxes or tins for a wonderful homemade gift that spreads cheer and joy this season—just like my Birthday Cake Cookies or Coffee Cake Cookies!

Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to bake these festive treats!

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter – Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies. Substitution: Use coconut oil for a vegan option.
Sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the spices and molasses. No substitutions necessary for key flavor.
Molasses – Brings depth of flavor and classic gingerbread taste. Opt for unsulfured molasses for the best flavor.
Large Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together for a soft texture. Substitution: Flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for vegan.
Cold Water – Keeps the dough firm before baking for perfect snowflakes. No alternative suggested.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies. Substitution: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Ground Ginger – Infuses the dough with essential warmth and spiciness. No substitutions necessary.
Ground Nutmeg – Adds a fragrant note that complements the ginger. No substitutions necessary.
Allspice – Introduces an aromatic blend, enhancing the holiday flavor profile. No substitutions necessary.

For the Icing

Egg Whites – Provides lightness and structure to the icing. No substitutions suggested.
Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites for stiff peaks in icing. No substitutions necessary.
Vanilla – Enhances the flavor of the icing. No alternatives suggested.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the icing and gives a glossy finish. No substitutions necessary.
White Sanding Sugar – Adds sparkle and visual appeal. No substitutions suggested.

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get baking and transform your kitchen into a festive wonderland with these Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will create the perfect non-stick surface for your Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies, allowing them to bake evenly and release easily after cooling. Make sure everything is ready before you start mixing the dough to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a standing mixer, combine the unsalted butter, sugar, and molasses. Beat them together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies have that delightful texture, as the air incorporated during creaming will help them rise nicely in the oven.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add the cold water to the butter and sugar mixture. Blend on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds. This will create a cohesive mixture, ready to embrace the dry ingredients. Ensure not to over-mix; the goal is just to achieve a uniform consistency.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Take about 1-2 minutes to ensure no lumps remain and the spices are evenly distributed. This fragrant blend is perfect for enriching your Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies with that quintessential holiday flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Mix
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in your standing mixer. Stir on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing, which could lead to tougher cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, ready for rolling out into beautiful snowflake shapes.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Shapes
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out snowflake shapes, ensuring that each cookie has a nice sharp edge for the best presentation. Gather any scraps, knead them lightly, and roll out again to make the most of your dough.

Step 7: Bake
Place your cut-out snowflake cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until the edges are firm and the tops are slightly puffed. They should have a light golden color; be careful not to overbake, as you want them to remain soft and chewy.

Step 8: Cool Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes first. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is vital for achieving the perfect texture and will make decorating easier as well.

Step 9: Prepare Icing
For the icing, whip egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla in your standing mixer until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to mix until stiff peaks form, which takes about 4-5 minutes. The icing should be glossy and hold its shape, perfect for decorating your Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies with.

Step 10: Decorate
Transfer the icing into a piping bag for easy application. Get creative with your designs as you decorate each cool cookie, and dip them in white sanding sugar to add sparkle. Let the decorated cookies dry for about 30 minutes before serving to ensure the icing sets perfectly on your festive treats.

Expert Tips for Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies

Don’t Overmix: Mix wet and dry ingredients only until just combined to prevent tough cookies. This is crucial for your Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies’ texture.
Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps minimize cookie spreading during baking, ensuring your snowflakes retain their beautiful shapes.
Proper Cooling: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. This prevents the icing from melting and keeps the designs intact.
Icing Consistency: When whipping the icing, ensure it forms stiff peaks. This will give your decorations a sturdy hold and a beautiful finish.
Storage Tips: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months; just allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.

Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize these festive treats to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!

Vegan Twist: Replace the butter with coconut oil and use a flaxseed egg to make this recipe completely plant-based.
Gluten-Free Delight: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously accommodating treat.
Additional Spice: Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon for a warming twist that enhances the holiday flavors beautifully.
Zesty Kick: Incorporate citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, into the dough to brighten up the cookies and add a refreshing note.
Chocolate Drizzle: After icing, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for a rich, decadent touch that’s sure to impress!
Maple Glaze: Swap normal icing for a maple syrup glaze by mixing maple syrup with powdered sugar for a unique and delightful flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the dough for an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor.
Candy Coated: Decorate with festive sprinkles or crushed candies for added texture and a burst of color that makes the cookies pop!

Butter up your baking repertoire and check out these delightful recipes: Birthday Cake Cookies and Coffee Cake Cookies! Get inspired and make every batch uniquely yours!

Make Ahead Options

These Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies are a wonderful option for meal prep, saving you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling it into a log, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the dough into pieces and roll them out to your desired thickness. The icing can also be made ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the quality, re-whip the icing briefly before decorating, ensuring it retains its fluffy texture. Enjoy the convenience of having your festive treats ready to decorate and bake when the time comes!

How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious for daily treats.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week, though it may slightly alter their texture.

Freezer: For even longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, gently reheat in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warm, preserving their delightful texture.

What to Serve with Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies

Immerse yourself in the cozy spirit of the season by pairing these whimsical cookies with delightful accompaniments that elevate your festive gatherings.

Warm Spiced Apple Cider: This classic drink offers a fruity, spiced warmth that echoes the gingerbread’s flavor profile, making it a perfect match for cozy winter nights.
Creamy Hot Chocolate: Velvety hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows creates a comforting contrast to the spiced cookies, inviting everyone to indulge and relax.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this non-dairy topping adds a tropical twist that enhances the cookies’ sweetness, making every bite feel indulgent yet light.
Roasted Chestnuts: Their savory, nutty flavor plays beautifully against the sweetness of the cookies. Enjoy them warm, basking in the aromas of the season as they crack open.
Peppermint Bark: Crushed candy canes and rich chocolate offer a delightful crunch and minty freshness that pairs well with the warm spices of gingerbread, creating a festive treat.
Mulled Wine: Infused with spices like cinnamon and cloves, this warm drink adds a sophisticated touch while enhancing the cozy ambiance around your holiday table.
Fruit and Cheese Platter: An assortment of nutty cheeses and fresh fruits adds a savory balance to the sweet cookies, inviting a refreshing palate experience for your guests.
Christmas Fruitcake: This traditional but often underrated dessert provides a rich, spiced complement, reminding everyone of holiday classics as they savor their cookies with nostalgia.
Nutty Biscotti: Their crunchy texture contrasts delightfully with the soft cookies, creating a fun variety of textures in every festive gathering.
Spiced Tea: A warm cup of chai or spiced black tea can beautifully cut through the sweetness of the cookies, offering a fragrant, aromatic pairing that will warm your heart.

Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of molasses should I use for the best flavor?
I recommend using unsulfured molasses as it tends to have the best flavor profile for your gingerbread cookies. Sulfured molasses can have a distinct taste that might overpower the delicate spices you want to shine through in your Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies.

How long can I store Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Always ensure they’re completely cool before sealing to avoid sogginess!

Can I freeze my Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies?
Absolutely! For freezing, first, lay the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!

What if my gingerbread cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface when rolling it out. You can also chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help firm things up, making it easier to handle.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Yes! This recipe can easily be adapted for dietary restrictions. The traditional egg can be replaced with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan option, and swapping all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend allows for gluten-free Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies.