Soft, chewy and slightly spiced, this is the BEST Gingerbread Cookie recipe ever. A tried and true favorite for years, this classic gingerbread cookie dough yields the perfect cookie every single time. Totally fool-proof!
In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.
Add the sugar to the butter and beat until light and fluffy. Turn the mixer to low and mix in the molasses, egg and balsamic vinegar. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl and continue mixing until thoroughly combined.
Cover and chill about 2 hours or until the dough is easy to handle.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Divide the dough in half and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll each half of the dough to 1/4" thickness adding flour as needed, the dough is very sticky so use flour liberally to prevent your cutouts from sticking to the surface.
Using cookie cutters, cut dough into shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment approximately 1" apart.
Bake in a 400 degree oven for 5-6 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for one minute and move to a wire rack.
To make the frosting: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Whisk to combine. Spoon mixture into a pastry bag or zip top bag and snip off the tip. Add two small dots of icing where the eyes should be and then press one eye on each dot. Decorate the cookies and allow to dry for 2-4 hours or overnight.
Store in an airtight container.
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Notes
Gingerbread Cookie Dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.Gingerbread Cookies will last up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.