Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies

Written by:

Suzanne Weaver-Goss

12/20/2015

Updated: 09/29/2023

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If you’re like me, you haven’t finished your Christmas baking yet! It’s not too late to make some delicious and healthful gingerbread men with your kids or grandkids. Below is my own recipe, which I adapted from one in Real Simple. 

Good Stuff: Blackstrap Molasses

Organic, unsulphured, blackstrap molasses is the healthiest molasses, which is why I use it in this recipe! Blackstrap is much more nutritious than light or dark molasses–it contains significant amounts of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and selenium.

Blackstrap molasses is also processed three times to remove the sucrose, which results in that dark brown color; it is the most dense sweetener in terms of minerals. Even though many sugars have been removed from the syrup, the sugars that remain are caramelized during the three rounds of heating.

Be sure to purchase unsulphured blackstrap molasses; sulfur dioxide used in food processing contributes to acid rain, and may present health risks as well.

I like Plantation Organic Unsulphered Blackstrap Molasses.

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Combine the flour, baking soda, sea salt, and spices in a large bowl; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, maple sugar, and egg on medium until smooth. Add molasses and beat until mixed, about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, blending until smooth.
  2. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half, flatten into disks, and wrap in beeswax wrap (or plastic). Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 1 week.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On a floured surface, roll each disk to 1/8 inch thick. Have your kids use gingerbread cookie cutters to make shapes.
  4. Transfer cookies to a unbleached parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  5. Decorate, if desired, with raisins and carob chips.
  6. Bake until firm to the touch, about 12 minutes. Cool slightly before transferring to a cooling rack.

The Importance of Unbleached Parchment Paper

Stay healthy,

Suzanne, Certified Holistic Health Coach

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Leave a Reply

  1. Taylor Avatar
    Taylor

    What do you think about the coating of silicone on parchment paper? Isn’t silicone something we should be avoiding cooking on?

    1. Suzanne Weaver-Goss Avatar
      Suzanne Weaver-Goss

      Hi Taylor,

      This is a very old question that I missed. Yes, we are aware of the silicone even on the unbleached parchment. Studies indicate that unbleached parchment coated with silicon is generally considered quite safe. Having said that, more studies are being conducted. They may reveal more. We use https://amzn.to/3QMVW3J

  2. Suzanne Weaver-Goss Avatar
    Suzanne Weaver-Goss

    Oh Jana,

    I am so glad! And thanks to you for pointing out about the baking soda error!

    I love the idea of gingerbread boys in bathing suits!

  3. Jana Avatar
    Jana

    This is a very tasty recipe! Very easy to make and roll into shapes. We made summertime gingerbread boys in swimsuits! I love it! Thanks again!

  4. Jana Avatar
    Jana

    OK thanks. I was looking at step 1:
    Combine the flour, baking soda, sea salt, and spices in a large bowl; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, maple sugar, and egg on medium until smooth. Add molasses and beat until mixed, about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, blending until smooth.

    1. Suzanne Weaver-Goss Avatar
      Suzanne Weaver-Goss

      oh goodness! You’re right! Yes, add 1 tsp of baking soda!

      Thanks for picking this up, I will edit the recipe.

  5. Suzanne Weaver-Goss Avatar
    Suzanne Weaver-Goss

    There is no baking soda in this recipe. If you want to add it you could or baking powder.

  6. Jana Avatar
    Jana

    I do not see the amount of baking soda to add. Does anyone know?

  7. Margaret (Mollahan)Ness Avatar
    Margaret (Mollahan)Ness

    Hi Suzanne!! I read the article in the newspaper about you and wanted to check out your website. Too cool! And last time I saw Maia she was deciding where to go to 1st grade and Graham was in a high chair! And you’re way too young to be a grandmother! Give me a holler so we can meet and catch up. My cell phone # is 203-6944 and email is below. Hello to John! Margaret