Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a truly charming holiday treat that tastes as delightful as it looks, you’re in for a real treat with my Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Recipe. These beauties are crisp, flavorful, and decorated with delicate glaze snowflakes that will absolutely wow your family and guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, gingerbread cookies will become a festive staple at your house. Stick with me — I’ll share everything you need to know to make these magical cookies right in your kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Recipe comes from a mix of warm spices, rich molasses, and a buttery dough that’s easy to handle. I always recommend using fresh spices and good-quality molasses for the fullest flavor.

• Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for a soft, pliable dough.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar works best to help the cookies crisp up nicely.
• Molasses: This dark syrup adds that classic deep gingerbread flavor and beautiful color.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the spices with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure while keeping the cookies tender.
• Ground Ginger: The star spice in gingerbread — fresh is best for zingy warmth.
• Cinnamon: Adds cozy sweet spice that pairs perfectly with ginger.
• Baking Soda: Lightens the dough for a crisp but tender texture.
• Allspice: A subtle background note that deepens the overall flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
• Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet icing that hardens nicely.
• Milk or Cream (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for piping.
• Corn Syrup (for glaze): Gives the glaze a beautiful shine and smooth texture.

Variations

One of the best things about the Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own with simple tweaks. I love encouraging you to get creative and make these your own — whether you want to add a twist on texture or flavor!

• Spicy Kick: Once, I added a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising warmth that my family couldn’t stop talking about. Try it if you want a little heat.
• Gluten-Free: I experimented with a gluten-free flour blend and the cookies turned out just as charming — just be sure to chill the dough a bit longer for easier rolling.
• Royal Icing Decorations: Swap the simple vanilla glaze for royal icing to create intricate, colorful snowflakes — perfect for impressing friends during cookie exchanges.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over cooled cookies instead of glaze.

How to Make Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream It Up

First things first, cream your softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting those delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. I love using a stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer works just as well. It usually takes me about 3-4 minutes — you’ll see it turn pale and airy.

Step 2: Add Your Flavor Boosters

Next, stir in your vanilla extract and egg until everything is well combined. Then pour in the molasses and mix again. I discovered that adding the molasses after the egg helps prevent the dough from being too sticky, making it easier to roll out.

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, allspice, and salt. Take your time with this part—it ensures the spices are evenly distributed through your dough for that perfect bite every time.

Step 4: Combine and Chill the Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Then turn the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap, shape it into a large disc, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Here’s what I learned: chilling firms the dough so it’s much easier to roll out into those detailed snowflake shapes without sticking or tearing.

Step 5: Roll and Cut Your Snowflakes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once chilled, divide the dough in half. Roll each half out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a snowflake cookie cutter (or your favorite festive shape) to cut out the cookies. If you don’t have a snowflake cutter, you can even use a sharp knife to carve out simple geometric snowflake patterns — that’s what I do when I’m in a pinch!

Step 6: Bake ‘Em Up

Place your cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to space them evenly. Bake in the 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Watch for edges turning golden brown—don’t overbake, or the cookies will lose their tenderness. I tend to check at 8 minutes because ovens vary, and I want perfectly crisp-but-not-hard cookies.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth. The perfect consistency should flow off a spoon but still hold shape when drizzled. I like to put the glaze into a piping bag with a small tip to decorate beautiful snowflake patterns on each cookie. This always feels like the fun arts-and-crafts moment of baking!

How to Serve Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a little sparkle with edible pearl dust or tiny candy beads to the glaze snowflakes — it really makes them look like freshly fallen snow! If you’re feeling extra festive, a light sprinkle of powdered sugar dusted on top looks like a soft wintery blanket.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or spiced cider — perfect for cozy holiday afternoons. When serving to guests, I often offer cream cheese or cinnamon spiced tea on the side to complement the spices in the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

For cookie exchanges or holiday party platters, try stacking the gingerbread snowflakes between small squares of wax paper inside a festive tin or on a decorative platter lined with evergreen sprigs and cranberries. Last year, I packed them in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon — such a simple way to impress your loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating the layers with parchment or wax paper to keep the glaze from sticking. They stay fresh and crisp for about a week this way — perfect if you want to enjoy them slowly or spread out the festive vibes!

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing unbaked dough discs works best. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then roll and cut as usual. This trick saved me when unexpected guests popped in last holiday season!

Reheating

If you want to warm up already baked cookies, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave or a few minutes at a low oven temperature brings back some of that fresh-from-the-oven warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how these Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies Recipe turn out year after year. There’s just something so heartwarming about rolling out the dough, carefully cutting each delicate snowflake, and decorating them like little edible works of art. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing gifts, or just treating yourself, these cookies bring joy with every bite. Give this recipe a try — I guarantee your kitchen will be filled with delicious memories and the warmest holiday spirit.

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