Quick & Cozy Homemade Gingerbread Recipe for Holiday Baking

Warm spices dance through memories of festive cheer, weaving a magical gingerbread recipe that sparks nostalgia and comfort.

Winter’s embrace brings sweet aromas that fill kitchens with warmth and joy.

Molasses and rich brown sugar create a symphony of flavors that transport you to cozy holiday moments.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and comfort, connecting generations through a beloved seasonal treat.

Delicate hints of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves promise a delightful culinary experience that feels like a warm hug.

This recipe unlocks the secret to perfect gingerbread that melts in your mouth and warms your soul.

Bake these cookies and watch magic unfold in your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 13

Gingerbread Ingredient List for Spiced Perfection

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and soft texture for the cake, choose unbleached flour for best results.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Signature spices that create the warm, aromatic gingerbread flavor profile, use freshly ground spices for maximum intensity.
• Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and balance flavors, ensure your baking soda is fresh and active.

• Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Molasses: Create rich, deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture, opt for dark brown sugar for more robust flavor.
• Hot Water: Helps activate spices and soften cake texture, use boiling water for best results.
• Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Provide structure, richness, and depth of flavor, choose high-quality vanilla for best taste.

• Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Salt: Form the classic butterscotch base with complex, caramelized notes, use European-style butter for extra richness.
• Whipping Cream, Vanilla Extract: Add silky smoothness and aromatic depth to the sauce, use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.

Tools to Bake Gingerbread That’s Soft and Sweet

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect cake texture.
• 9×13 inch cake pan: Provides ideal size and shape for even baking.
• Saucepan: Necessary for creating the rich butterscotch sauce.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing internal moisture.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring butterscotch sauce and scraping bowl sides.
• Cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly after baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Classic Gingerbread

Gingerbread Magic

• Cake Preparation

Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy temperature. Grab a rectangular baking dish and give it a light coating so the cake doesn’t stick. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, creating a fragrant spice blend that hints at holiday cheer. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients until they dance together smoothly. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet, creating a silky batter with whispers of ginger and warmth. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and let the oven work its magic, transforming the raw ingredients into a delectable treat.

• Butterscotch Elegance

Create a decadent sauce that will elevate your cake from good to extraordinary. Melt butter in a saucepan, then welcome brown sugar and let them become best friends. Watch as the mixture transforms, bubbling gently and releasing rich caramel notes. Pour in cream and let everything simmer and merge into a luxurious golden elixir. A splash of vanilla at the end adds a final touch of sophistication.

• Sensory Experience

Slice the cake into generous portions, each piece promising comfort and joy. Drizzle the warm butterscotch sauce generously, allowing it to cascade over the cake’s surface. For those wanting extra indulgence, a cloud of whipped cream and a whisper of cinnamon can turn this dessert into a true celebration.

Spice Blends That Work Great in Gingerbread

• Spice Swap Magic: Experiment with different ground spices like cardamom or allspice to create a unique flavor profile that makes your gingerbread truly special.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, letting the flavors develop and intensify over time.
• Texture Tricks: For an extra moist cake, replace some of the hot water with strong brewed coffee or dark beer to add depth and richness to the gingerbread's flavor.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make this recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising the cake's delicious texture.
• Sauce Spectacular: Transform the butterscotch sauce into a versatile topping by adding a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist, or drizzle over ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade.

Serve Gingerbread for the Holidays or a Cozy Treat

• Cozy Winter Dessert Pairing: Serve this warm gingerbread with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold creaminess contrast beautifully with the spicy, rich cake.
• Festive Holiday Presentation: Dust the cake slice with powdered sugar and arrange on a rustic wooden board, garnished with candied orange peel or crystallized ginger for an elegant touch.
• Comforting Breakfast Twist: Transform leftover gingerbread into a decadent morning treat by toasting thin slices and spreading with cream cheese, then drizzling with the butterscotch sauce for a luxurious start to the day.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Cut cake into smaller squares and pair with a steaming mug of spiced chai or dark roast coffee, creating a delightful mid-afternoon indulgence that warms both body and soul.

Best Way to Store Gingerbread Without Drying Out

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your gingerbread cake fresh and delightful by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freezing Magic: Slice the cake before freezing for easy portioning. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen gingerbread stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Sauce Savvy: Store the butterscotch sauce in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore its smooth consistency before serving.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the cake and butterscotch sauce a day in advance. Keep the cake covered at room temperature and refrigerate the sauce. Bring both to room temperature before serving for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Delightful Gingerbread Recipe

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• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Magical gingerbread cookies deliver classic holiday warmth with rich molasses and warming spices. Crisp edges and chewy centers invite winter celebrations where memories bloom deliciously for everyone who bakes them.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) molasses
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ⅓ cups (560 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (170 g) brown sugar
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) whipping cream
• ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Thoroughly blend all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for maximum flavor complexity.
2. Liquid Mixture Preparation: Whisk melted butter, molasses, and warm water until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency, creating a rich foundational blend for the gingerbread cake.
3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Carefully introduce eggs and vanilla extract into the liquid mixture, stirring gently to prevent potential curdling and maintain a silky texture.
4. Batter Formation: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a fluid batter with a consistent, velvety composition that promises a tender cake crumb.
5. Pan Preparation and Baking: Generously butter and flour a rectangular baking pan, then pour the batter evenly. Place in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until a testing skewer comes out clean.
6. Butterscotch Sauce Creation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over gentle heat, then incorporate brown sugar and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a caramel-like consistency.
7. Sauce Refinement: Stream in whipping cream, whisking vigorously to create a glossy sauce. Remove from heat and infuse with vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
8. Serving Presentation: Once the cake has cooled slightly, slice into generous portions. Drizzle warm butterscotch sauce over each slice, and optionally top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Spice Distribution Technique: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure even spread of warming spices throughout the cake.
• Liquid Mixture Warning: Temper eggs slowly when adding to warm ingredients to prevent accidental scrambling and maintain smooth batter consistency.
• Baking Precision: Use room temperature ingredients for more uniform mixing and better cake texture; test cake doneness with a clean skewer inserted at center.
• Sauce Perfection: Watch butterscotch sauce carefully while cooking, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramel-like consistency without scorching.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 175 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg