Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies

Name: Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp water or lemon juice; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Artisanal Baking Recipes

These delightful Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies are perfect for the holiday season, offering a warm blend of spices and a charming heart shape that will make your festivities even sweeter.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-03T22:51:27.512Z

Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies are a cherished tradition in many households during the holiday season. Their rich, aromatic spices bring warmth and joy, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re decorating them with icing or enjoying them plain, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfect blend of spices for a warm, festive flavor
Easy to make, ideal for baking with kids
Beautiful heart shape makes them perfect for gifting

      

The Joy of Baking Together

Baking can be a wonderful bonding experience, especially during the holidays. These Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies are an excellent choice for family baking sessions. Children will love measuring ingredients, mixing dough, and, of course, cutting out heart shapes with cookie cutters. This hands-on activity not only teaches kids valuable cooking skills but also allows for creative expression as they decorate their cookies.

As you bake, you can share stories about holiday traditions or create new ones while enjoying the delightful aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen. Make it a fun challenge to see who can create the most uniquely decorated cookie. This shared experience will create lasting memories and a sense of accomplishment for everyone involved.

Perfect for Gifting

These heart-shaped cookies are not just delicious; they are also visually appealing, making them perfect for gifting. Imagine presenting a beautifully packaged box of these Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies to friends, family, or neighbors. It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows you care, especially during the holiday season when sweet treats are cherished.

To elevate your gifting, consider personalizing the cookie decorations. Use different colors of icing or sprinkle edible glitter to make each cookie unique. You can even attach a handwritten note or recipe card to the gift, adding a personal touch that recipients will appreciate.

Variations and Add-Ons

While this recipe is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize your Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies to suit your taste. Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different spices; a hint of nutmeg or cardamom can bring a delightful twist to the traditional gingerbread flavor.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or using honey instead of molasses. These small adjustments can provide a nutritional boost while still yielding delicious cookies that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg

For the Icing (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp water or lemon juice
Food coloring (optional)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Decorate (optional)

If desired, mix powdered sugar with water or lemon juice to create a simple icing. Use it to decorate the cooled cookies.

Enjoy your homemade Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Storage Tips

To keep your Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but we doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or warm them briefly in the oven. This will restore their delightful texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Spiced Gingerbread Heart Cookies are versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. They make an excellent addition to holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as part of a festive dessert table. Pair them with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa for a cozy treat that fits the season perfectly.

For a creative twist, consider using these cookies as part of a dessert platter. Stack them with other cookies, marshmallows, and small chocolates for a delightful assortment that will impress your guests. They can also be crumbled over ice cream or yogurt for a unique dessert option.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

→ What can I use instead of molasses?

You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will differ slightly.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.