Gingerbread Ornament Cookies: 7 Festive Treats for Christmas

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Gingerbread Ornament Cookies are a beloved holiday tradition that combines tasty treats with festive decor. These cookies are not just delicious; they also serve as charming ornaments for your Christmas tree or delightful gifts for friends and family. Made from a spiced dough, they hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating. With a variety of options for icing and embellishments, these cookies are as fun to create as they are to eat. Let’s dive into this festive baking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Ornament Cookies

This recipe for Gingerbread Ornament Cookies is a delightful way to spread holiday cheer. Here’s why:

They double as edible decorations, enhancing your holiday decor.
These cookies are perfect for family baking activities, fostering creativity.
They make thoughtful, homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.
With their spiced flavor profile, they are a festive favorite.
Easy to customize, allowing for unique designs and decorations.
Versatile enough to be enjoyed as Christmas Gingerbread Cookies or as a fun activity with kids.

These cookies fall under the Dessert category, and are a vegetarian-friendly option, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Ornament Cookies

Gather these items:

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup (180ml) unsulphured molasses
1 large egg
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp meringue powder
5–6 tbsp warm water
Gel food coloring (optional)

How to Make Gingerbread Ornament Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cream the softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use ornament-shaped or round cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Use a straw or piping tip to punch a hole at the top of each cookie for hanging.
Step 4: Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are set and the centers appear dry. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: In a stand mixer, beat the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 5 tablespoons of warm water on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Adjust with an extra tablespoon of water if needed for consistency.
Step 6: Divide and tint with gel food coloring, if using. Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips. Decorate the cooled cookies with lines, swirls, dots, or snowflake designs. Allow the icing to dry completely for 4–6 hours or overnight before handling.
Step 7: Once the icing is fully dry, carefully thread thin ribbon or baker’s twine through the hole in each cookie. Tie a knot or bow to secure, and hang your cookies on the tree or package them as gifts.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Ornament Cookies

Keep these in mind:

These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
Feel free to get creative with your decorations.
These cookies make great gifts for friends and family.
For softer cookies, consider a soft gingerbread cookie recipe for ornaments.

Best Ways to Serve Gingerbread Ornament Cookies

Here are some serving suggestions:

Pair them with a warm cup of spiced cider for a cozy treat.
Serve alongside other festive treats at holiday gatherings.
These cookies also make lovely decorative gingerbread cookies for cookie exchanges.

How to Store and Reheat Gingerbread Ornament Cookies

Once your cookies are fully cooled and decorated, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also freeze them for longer storage. They can be prepped ahead of time, making them a convenient option for holiday baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Ornament Cookies

What are gingerbread ornament cookies?

Gingerbread ornament cookies are spiced cookies shaped like ornaments that can be decorated and hung on the Christmas tree. They are a delightful blend of tradition and creativity.

Can I make gingerbread ornament cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. These cookies also store well once baked, making them perfect for planning your holiday festivities.

How do I avoid common mistakes with gingerbread ornament cookies?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your dough is properly chilled before rolling, and do not overbake the cookies, as they can harden quickly.

Variations of Gingerbread Ornament Cookies You Can Try

Consider these delicious variations:

Add different spices for a unique flavor, such as cardamom or allspice.
Use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different taste.
Incorporate dried fruits or nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.