Gingerbread Cookie Bites

Gingerbread Cookie Bites are the perfect holiday treat—tiny, chewy, and packed with the warm spices of classic gingerbread. These bite-sized delights are easy to make, fun to eat, and ideal for holiday parties, gifting, or simply satisfying your festive cookie cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bite-sized for easy snacking or sharing.
• Filled with warm, comforting gingerbread spices.
• Simple to prepare and great for holiday baking with kids.
• Perfect for gifting or adding to a holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Egg
• Granulated sugar (for rolling)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
6. Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
7. Cool: Allow the bites to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve: Arrange on a platter or package in festive containers for gifting.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24–30 bites
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each gingerbread bite in melted white or dark chocolate and allow to set.
• Spiced Sugar Coating: Mix granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for rolling.
• Iced Bites: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a decorative touch.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Gingerbread Cookie Bites are best served at room temperature and do not require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use blackstrap molasses?

Blackstrap molasses is more robust and less sweet than regular molasses. Use regular molasses for a more traditional flavor.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

3. How do I prevent the bites from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before rolling if you notice it’s too soft.

4. Can I make these bites vegan?

Yes, use plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg substitute, and ensure the sugar is certified vegan.

5. Why did my bites crack too much?

Overmixing the dough or baking at too high a temperature can cause excessive cracking. Follow the recipe closely for best results.

6. Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins for added texture and flavor.

7. Can I use cookie cutters for shapes?

This recipe is designed for bites, but you can roll the dough and cut it into shapes if chilled well.

8. What can I serve these with?

Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or eggnog for a festive treat.

9. Can I make these larger?

Yes, make larger cookies by rolling bigger dough balls and adjusting the baking time by a few minutes.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily to make more bites for parties or gifting.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Cookie Bites are a festive and flavorful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their rich, spiced flavor and chewy texture make them irresistible, while their size makes them perfect for sharing. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or packed in a festive tin, these bites are sure to spread holiday cheer!

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