Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe (2024)

Pin

Share

Tweet

Share

This Hanging Gingerbread Cookies gift is a unique spin on a classic, shared over 100 thousand times! Just add a small candy cane to the back and hang the cookies from a cup of cocoa!

This Hanging Gingerbread Cookies recipe makes 18 and costs just $7.24 to make, which is only $0.41 per serving.

If you love Gingerbread, then you must try my Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip recipe. You can make it in just 5 minutes, and it’s my most popular Christmas recipe!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Reynolds. Thank you for supporting brands that make Food Folks and Fun possible!

Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

Hanging Gingerbread Cookies Gift

My 5-year-old daughter LOVES helping me in the kitchen, and she’s becoming quite the little sous chef! We often make treats while my 2-year-old is napping. I like it when we can make a recipe from start to finish while he’s sleeping, like this Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe.

My daughter has been helping me in the kitchen since she was 2, and I’ve been slowly building her recipe know-how and confidence.

Today she learned that sometimes the best tool in the kitchen is your hands! Mia loved squishing the gingerbread dough between her fingers! She also loved cutting out the dough with our snowflake cookie cutter.

Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe (2)

She also learned the many uses of Reynolds Cookie Baking Sheets parchment paper! They’re so convenient because they’re already cut to the size of our cookie sheets! She also learned you can use parchment paper for:

  • Wrapping cookie dough while it chills.
  • Lining cookie sheets for perfectly baked cookies.
  • For using under cookies while decorating for quick cleanup (I’m all about the quick cleanup!).

This gingerbread recipe is easily one of my favorite Christmas-time recipes! They’re different from other Christmas cutout cookies with a simple twist.

It is so easy; all it takes is a small candy cane adhered to the back of these gingerbread cookies to make them hang! You will love how soft these gingerbread cookies taste with a cup of hot cocoa.

Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe (3)

A Different Kind of Christmas Cookie

My family loves hanging these off of mugs of warm cocoa; they make them cozier that way. I also like making them for gifts and cookie exchanges.

And trust me, if you make these for a cookie exchange, you’ll be the most popular person in the room! They really are the best gingerbread cookies out there!

You will find that these perfectly spiced gingerbread cookies are soft in the center, have a crispy edge, and a dough that is easy to work with. Perfect for getting the kiddos to help cut out the shapes!

More Gingerbread Recipes:

  • Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Gingerbread Waffles
  • Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars
  • Gingerbread Oreo Truffles
  • Gingerbread Cookies with Orange Glaze

This Hanging Gingerbread Cookie recipe is SO easy to make; let me show you how!

How to Make Hanging Gingerbread Cookies:

Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe (4)

  1. Make, roll out, and cut cookie dough.
  2. Add cut dough to parchment-lined cookie sheets.
  3. Bake until edges are set.
  4. Decorate with royal icing and dry.
  5. Attach a candy cane to the back of each cookie using royal icing.
  6. Allow icing to dry completely, then hang cookies from cups of hot cocoa!

Are gingerbread cookies soft or hard?

Gingerbread cookies are meant to be soft and not hard. If some crumbs fall on you while taking a bite into the cookie, then you know they are a perfect consistency!

How long do gingerbread cookies last?

Suppose you wrap the cookies in freezer wrap and then place the cookies in an airtight container; they can be stored in the freezer for 6-8 months. They will stay fresh in an airtight container stored at room temperature for up to one week.

How do you know when gingerbread cookies are done?

It can be difficult to tell when a darker color cookie is done baking as you cannot tell when it is lightly browned on top as you can with most other cookies. A quick tip is to use a spatula to gently press the cookie’s edge to check that the edges are firm. If the edges are firm, the cookies are done!

How much will this Gingerbread Cookies Gift recipe cost:

RECIPE COST: $7.24

PER SERVING COST: $0.41

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

    • 4 cups all-purpose flour – $0.86
    • 1 teaspoon salt – $0.01
    • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda – $0.01
    • ¾ cup powdered sugar – $0.07
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – $0.04
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cloves – $1.29
    • 2 teaspoons ground ginger – $0.22
    • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – $0.39
    • 1 cup sugar – $0.23
    • 16 tablespoons unsalted butter – $1.60
    • 1 cup molasses – $2.16
    • 1 large egg – $0.10
    • ½ Tablespoon meringue powder – $0.02
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice – $0.02
    • 2 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon water – $0.00

Cook’s Note:

Use your favorite gingerbread recipe, pouch mix, or refrigerated dough for this recipe.

You can use the method of decorating and attaching the candy canes to thiscutout sugar cookie recipe.

The royal icing recipe below made about 1 ½-2 cups. It was the perfect amount for decorating 24, 3-inch snowflake gingerbread cookies.

The Royal Icing recipe can be doubled, tripled, etc.

The cookies will keep, in an air-tight container at room temperature between layers of parchment paper, for up to 5 days.

I do not recommend freezing these cookies once the candy canes are attached. For some reason, candy canes “melt” in the freezer.

To speed up the icing drying time I like to pop decorated cookies in the refrigerator.

Cook’s Tools and Ingredients:

  • baking sheets
  • parchment paper
  • edible glitter
  • mini candy canes

Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe (5)

More Holiday Desserts:

  • Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Peppermint Bark Cookies
  • Gingerbread Waffles
  • Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars
  • Gingerbread Oreo Truffles
  • Peppermint Cheesecake Dip
  • Gingerbread Cookies with Orange Glaze
  • Andes Mint Cheesecake Dip
  • Chocolate and Peppermint Roulade
  • Pecan Pie Bars
  • Cranberry Bliss Bars
  • Spiced Creme Brulee
  • Peppermint Bark Sugar Cookie Pie
  • Loaded Peppermint Cookies

Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe (6)

5 from 6 votes

Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Author Jillian - a Food, Folks and Fun original!

Recipe Cost $ 7.24

Serving Cost $ 0.41

Prep Time 1 hour hour

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

18 people

This Hanging Gingerbread Cookie recipe is a unique spin on the classic. Just add a small candy cane to the back and hang the cookies from a nice warm cup of cocoa!

Equipment

  • baking sheets

  • parchment paper

  • edible glitter

  • mini candy canes

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe gingerbread cookie dough

ROYAL ICING:

  • ¾ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ Tablespoon meringue powder or 1 Tablespoon egg white
  • 1 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon water***

GARNISH:

  • Edible glitter or sprinkles
  • 18 Mini candy canes

Instructions

  • Line baking sheets with Reynolds Parchment Paper. Make, roll out, cut and bake gingerbread cookie dough according to your recipe. Cool cookies completely before decorating.

MAKE ROYAL ICING:

  • Add powdered sugar, meringue powder (or egg whites), lemon juice and 2 tablespoons ***water to bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low until combined. Increase speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.

DECORATE COOKIES:

  • Place icing in a small, resealable plastic bag. Cut a small portion of one corner off. Squeeze icing onto cutout cookies and sprinkle with edible glitter or sprinkles. Dry completely on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

FINISH COOKIES:

  • Flip cookies over, apply a small amount of royal icing to each cookie, and lightly press candy canes into the icing. Dry completely before hanging cookies from mugs.

Notes

***If you’re using egg white instead of meringue powder, please use only 1 Tablespoon of water!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 99mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.6mg

did you love this recipe?

Share it with me on Facebook and find more recipes on foodfolksandfun for more!

Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe (7)

This Hanging Gingerbread Cookies Gift recipe is a unique spin on the classic shared over 100 thousand times. Just add a small candy cane to the back and hang the cookies from a cup of cocoa!This recipe has been shared over 100,000 times!

Pin

Share

Tweet

Share

Related Posts

40+ Popular Christmas Cookies and Candies for 2023
Gingerbread Wreath
Soft Gingerbread Cookies

subscribe for new recipes

Get all the latest recipes in your inbox!

connect with us

Make sure to tag #foodfolksandfun on instagram!

Jillian

I’m Jillian, the creator behind Food Folks and Fun. I have over 30 years of experience cooking for others. There’s nothing I love more than cooking for my family. Food is love, and cooking isn’t just putting a meal on a plate: It’s putting a little part of myself into that meal.

Hanging Gingerbread Cookie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should gingerbread cookies be hard or soft? ›

Should gingerbread cookies be hard or soft? Soft gingerbread biscuits are ideal. They ought to be flexible. However, they should still be somewhat elastic, and if you hold them too firmly because you're so excited to eat them, you might even be able to leave your fingerprints on the cookie!

Which molasses is best for gingerbread cookies? ›

Medium Or Dark Molasses

“It adds enough bold flavor and sweet notes with a hint of bitterness to any recipe, which is exactly what you want for making gingerbread cookies.”

What is the best way to decorate gingerbread cookies? ›

How to Decorate Gingerbread Cookies
  1. Use royal icing. ...
  2. Add color with gumdrops and other candies. ...
  3. Paint with festive candy melts. ...
  4. Use cookie cutters to create shapes. ...
  5. Have fun with sprinkles. ...
  6. Bright and pastel gingerbread house. ...
  7. Winter wonderland gingerbread house. ...
  8. Stained glass gingerbread house.
Dec 14, 2023

Why are my gingerbread cookies so dry? ›

“It shouldn't look flat or dry,” he said. “There are some gingerbread recipes that are hard right after baking and need to sit for a few days to soften. Molasses and honey hardens gingerbread, but as the sugar absorbs moisture, it will get softer.”

What are the three types of gingerbread? ›

The three distinct types of gingerbread are brown gingerbread, wafer-based gingerbread and honey gingerbread.
  • BROWN GINGERBREAD.
  • WAFER GINGERBREAD.
  • HONEY GINGERBREAD.

Can I use golden syrup instead of molasses? ›

Golden Syrup

With its golden, amber color, it is lighter than molasses, though the two are similar in their thickness. Golden syrup also a liquid sweetener, so 1 cup of golden syrup can replace 1 cup of molasses. Golden syrup has a unique flavor, so it may alter the flavor of your recipe slightly.

Is molasses or golden syrup better for gingerbread? ›

Molasses – Essential for that rich, caramel gingerbread flavour! Golden syrup makes a great sub, or treacle. Honey will also work, but cookie will spread a touch more, not be quite the same deep golden colour and not have the same rich flavour (still very, very good!).

Can I use brown sugar instead of molasses in gingerbread? ›

Brown sugar is actually a combination of granulated sugar and molasses, so it's a good substitute for molasses. While measurements may vary per recipe, you can generally replace 1 cup molasses with 3/4 cup packed brown sugar.

Why shouldn't you use blackstrap molasses in gingerbread? ›

Blackstrap Molasses

“Please avoid this dark and bitter molasses for your baking recipes,” she said. “It will make your cookies dry and quite frankly inedible. The rationale is basic chemistry. “Cookies need to have sugar and butter (or a similar solid fat) to 'cream' to get a good product,” Slavin said.

What makes gingerbread cookies crack on top? ›

You have a few things that can go wrong: The oven isn't hot enough. (it needs to set the top before the middle's fully risen) Not enough leavening (it needs to be strong enough to crack the top once it's set)

How do professionals decorate cookies? ›

Use the right royal icing consistency

You'll use piping-consistency icing to outline the cookies and add intricate details, while you'll use the looser flooding-consistency icing to fill the surface of the cookie and cover large areas. The only difference between the two icings is the amount of water added.

How do you keep gingerbread cookies from sticking? ›

Place waxed paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking to each other.

What happens if you add too much molasses to cookies? ›

Doubling up on molasses softened the cookies significantly.

Molasses is also extremely dark in color, so this batch of cookies turned out to be a deep brown.

Should you refrigerate gingerbread dough? ›

Chilling it for at least two hours or overnight gives the ingredients a chance to absorb one another, making it a whole lot easier to roll out the dough without it cracking. Follow this tip: Let the dough chill in the refrigerator, well-wrapped, for at least two hours or overnight before rolling it out.

How long should you chill gingerbread dough? ›

Divide the dough into two thick disks and wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours. (The dough can be prepared up to 2 days ahead.) To roll out the cookies, work with one disk at a time, keeping the other disk refrigerated.

How hard should gingerbread be? ›

Gingerbread Cookies are done when they are set and begin to brown slightly at the edges. They will harden further as they cool, so avoid overbaking so you don't end up with hard, crunchy gingerbread! Underbake slightly to achieve soft, slightly chewy gingerbread cookies.

Should Christmas cookies be soft or hard? ›

The very best sugar cookies are soft and tender. → Follow this tip: One of the keys to great sugar cookies is mixing the dry ingredients only until they're just incorporated, and not a second longer.

Should cookies be hard or soft? ›

You can take a bite or break off a piece. Either way, when you taste it, you'll know for certain if it's done. A cookie that's fully done shouldn't be doughy, nor should it be overly crunchy (unless you're making a really crunchy type of cookie). It should be soft, crumbly, and perfect when freshly baked.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Van Hayes

Last Updated:

Views: 5992

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Van Hayes

Birthday: 1994-06-07

Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

Phone: +512425013758

Job: National Farming Director

Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.