Christmas will be here in a few short days! If you haven’t done any baking yet and want to have some fun decorating cookies with your kiddos, it’s not too late! Two weeks ago I shared with your how making gingerbread is a serious family tradition around here — it is so much fun to do as a family, and nothing tastes like Christmas to me like homemade gingerbread cookies! Today I’m going to share the recipe I use, it’s been adapted from my trusty red and white gingham Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. I always make at least double of this recipe, because we love them so much. These are the most delicious gingerbread cookies ever, firm to crunchy in texture, and strong enough to hold on to all that icing your kids are going to  want to pour on them.

Best Ever Gingerbread Cookies

• 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• Royal icing to decorate

1. Beat butter with an electric mixer on medium for about 30 seconds, then add sugar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat until combined, then add in molasses, egg and vinegar as well. Beat in as much of the flour you can (I’m able to get it all in with my Kitchenaid, but couldn’t when I used a hand mixer), then stir the rest in by hand. Divide dough into half and and chill for at least 3 hours – usually bake the next day.
2. Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper and set aside. Lightly flour your counter (I use a Pampered Chef silicone baking mat) and roll out half of the dough to 1/4 – 1/8 inch thickness. Use your favourite holiday shaped cookie cutters and then place about an inch apart on prepared cookie sheet.
3. Bake at 375° oven for 5-10 minutes or until lightly browned. It really depends on how thick you rolled them and how big the shapes are — I watch the first batch like a hawk and then time the rest accordingly. Cool on a wire rack, and decorate with Royal Icing

You’re going to want to use this recipe – print it below or pin in for later! Enjoy your cookies and have a Merry Christmas!