Cinnamon-Cardamom Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Classic gingerbread cookies infused with cinnamon and cardamom, offering a fragrant and festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 30 minutes layers all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp ground ginger, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, cream 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Beat in 1 large egg, 1/2 cup molasses, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Divide dough in half, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Step 6: Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until edges are firm and centers are set. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Cardamom Spiced Gingerbread Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Cardamom Spiced Gingerbread Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Cardamom Spiced Gingerbread Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cinnamon-Cardamom Spiced Gingerbread Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cinnamon-Cardamom Spiced Gingerbread Cookies?
American christmas like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
These cookies are a Christmas tradition in my family now! Perfect spice balance.
- ★★★★★
Loved the cardamom twist. Made them for my kids and they devoured them.
- ★★★★★
The gingerbread flavor is spot on. I'll be making these every holiday season.