There’s something magical about baking Spiced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies during the holidays. Every time I roll out that warm, fragrant dough, it instantly brings me back to the little kitchen in Crete where I grew up. My grandmother didn’t make gingerbread cookies those weren’t part of traditional Greek baking but she always believed in adding spices to desserts “to wake up the heart,” as she liked to say.

The first time I tasted Spiced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies was years later, after moving away. A friend brought a tin of them to a Christmas gathering, and the moment I smelled that mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, it strangely reminded me of home. Isn’t it funny how food does that? It connects places, people, and memories that shouldn’t match but somehow fit perfectly.

Now, every December, making Spiced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies is a tradition in my own kitchen. I throw on holiday music, tie on my favorite messy apron, and get flour everywhere absolutely everywhere. Even the dog ends up with flour on his nose. But that’s part of the ritual, and honestly, it’s what I love the most.

These cookies are full of cozy spices, easy to shape, fun to decorate, and they hold their form beautifully. Whether you’re baking with kids, making gifts, or just treating yourself, Spiced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies always bring joy, warmth, and that irresistible holiday feeling.

If you like recipes that feel comforting and nostalgic yet still simple, this one is perfect. And don’t worry your cookies will taste amazing even if your gingerbread men turn out looking like they’ve had a rough week. Mine usually do, and they’re still delicious!

About These Cookies

These Spiced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies are soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, richly flavored with molasses, and filled with warm spices that make the entire house smell incredible. They’re perfect for cutting into festive shapes snowflakes, trees, stars, or classic gingerbread people. This dough chills well, bakes evenly, and never spreads too much. It’s reliable, cozy, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make these flavorful cookies:

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations

Royal icing
Sprinkles
Edible glitter
Melted white or dark chocolate

How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies

Follow these easy steps to create warm, fragrant cookies with perfect cut-out edges.

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even spice distribution, which is key to that classic gingerbread flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. This helps make your cookies tender while giving them a subtle caramel undertone.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla. The dough will darken and become beautifully sticky this is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. A stiff dough will form, fragrant and filled with spice.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling keeps the cookies from spreading and helps the flavors deepen.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters stars, gingerbread people, bells, snowflakes, anything festive.

Step 7: Bake

Place the cut-outs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Bake less for softer cookies, more for crisp ones.

Step 8: Decorate

Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or melted chocolate. Or enjoy them plain they’re delicious either way.

Serving Ideas

These cookies are incredibly versatile. Here are some cozy ways to enjoy them:

Serve with hot cocoa during a holiday movie night.
Wrap in clear bags with ribbon for easy, heartfelt gifts.
Use as edible ornaments by adding a small hole before baking.
Pair them with warm tea or a cold glass of milk.
Build a fun decorating station for kids or guests.

However you enjoy them, Spiced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies always bring smiles and warm, cozy vibes.

Printable Recipe Card 🎄🍪

(Perfect for readers who want a quick snapshot!)

⏱️ Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Bake: 8–10 minutes
Total: ~1 hour 30 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp ginger
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Mix all dry ingredients.
Cream butter and sugar.
Add egg, molasses, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry mixtures.
Chill dough for 1 hour.
Roll and cut into shapes.
Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Cool and decorate.

✍️ Notes

Chilling is essential for perfect shapes.
Add more ginger for extra spice.
Cookies firm up as they cool don’t overbake.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

🍫 Nutrition (per cookie)

Approximate values:

Calories: 110
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g

Conclusion

Baking Spiced Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies isn’t just about making a holiday treat it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or enjoying the comforting aroma while they bake, these cookies bring warmth to every kitchen.

Like many recipes that feel timeless and full of love, this one blends tradition and creativity. It’s simple, delicious, festive, and perfect for making memories that last far beyond the holidays. I hope these cookies bring the same joy to your home that they bring to mine every year.