Gingerbread Cookies: You Will Love These

Today it’s all about how to make gingerbread cookies in a jar. These are so fun to make with your family or with a group of friends. The homemade approach makes these a cherished gift for those you love. You can print the gift tags to attach to the jars, if desired. Gingerbread Cookies are so festive for the Christmas holidays, and that’s why I wanted to update this post and encourage all my readers to start getting into the holiday cooking spirit!

If you have a church group, this is a really fun activity to get lots of people involved, and it doesn’t cost much money. If you don’t have any wide-mouth canning quart jars, check out a few thrift stores or reach out to extended family and friends to see if they’ll share theirs. Any grandma will tell you that baking cookies around the holidays is a must-do tradition.

Supplies You Will Need:

• Mason 1-Quart Jar (wide mouth works best)
• Canning Funnel (it’s a lot easier to fill the jar)
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Whisk
• Ladle
• Mixing Spoon
• Cookie-Cutter
• Cookie Sheet
• Cookie Spatula
• Ribbon or String
• Printable Labels (if you have cardstock, that works great)

PRINTABLE Gingerbread Cookie Jar Labels

Step One: Gather the Ingredients

Grab the ingredients from your pantry so you can start making the gingerbread cookie mix.

Step Two: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, or a large mixing bowl if you’re going to make a larger batch, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step Three: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients. There are so few ingredients, you don’t need a hand-held or stand mixer.

Step Four: Use A Funnel

Divide the mixture in half. Use a funnel to add half of the flour mixture to the bottom of the jar. Pack down firmly (I used a small ladle for this).

Step Five: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the brown sugar and pack it down firmly. Add the rest of the flour mixture, and pack firmly again. If desired, add red hots or similar candy on top of the second flour layer. Place the lid on the jar. Add printed labels, ribbons, and a cookie cutter to make it a special gift for the holidays.

Gingerbread Cookies In A Jar

Why do we need to refrigerate the dough for an hour?

As the cookies bake in the oven the butter in the cookie dough is cold and therefore the fat (the butter) in the cookies will take longer to melt. The longer it takes for the butter to melt the less likely the cookies will spread out and be flat.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can. I would layer them with plastic wrap or wax paper between each cookie. Place them in freezer bags. Decorate AFTER you freeze them and thaw them at room temperature.

Why did my cookies turn out hard?

Be careful not to roll them out too thin, or overbake them because the cookies will be hard. Also, I generally cook my cookies on one of the middle racks in my oven.

Can I add another egg to cookie recipes?

I do it all the time, particularly if I’m making a cake. It gives the recipes more fat, and therefore they will be softer and chewier. You should try it. It works for me every time.

How do you keep the cookies chewy?

If you follow the recipe and roll them out 1/4 inch thick and don’t overbake the cookies they will be soft and chewy.

Will these cookies harden after baking?

This recipe is great because the cookies stay soft for at least 2 weeks after baking. Just place them on a wire rack to cool, then store them in a “Tupperware” type plastic airtight container.

How long do gingerbread cookies stay fresh?

They will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks if stored in an airtight container on your kitchen counter. You can freeze them in freezer baggies for 6-8 months.

What can I do with the dough scraps?

I like to take the scraps and squish them together to make more dough. I then take the rolling pin and cut out even more cookies. Place them on the same baking sheets. In no time, you’ll have more cookies to enjoy with your family. Note that sometimes I’ll put parchment paper on the cookie sheet to aid in the cleanup.

Can I add more spice to the cookies?

You can add more nutmeg, dark brown sugar, or vanilla extract to the cookies to help make them even more delicious! Some chefs will add royal icing on top of each cookie using a spatula or piping bag. The icing is made from softly beaten egg whites, icing sugar, and lemon or lime juice. Others will sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the cookies.

What is the difference between gingerbread and Lebkuchen?

I hadn’t heard of Lebkuchen until a reader mentioned it. Actually, Lebkuchen is the German word for gingerbread and often includes some additional ingredients like nuts and various fruits.

Can I make this cookie vegan?

Once you add the eggs and butter the true vegan approach is lost. I guess you can try butter and egg substitutes, but I haven’t ever done that and can’t tell you how the flavor and texture would change.

Would you consider these cookies to be a healthy treat?

I haven’t found too many holiday “treats” that could be called healthy. The ingredients would indicate a fair amount of calories, some protein from the butter and eggs, and the flour could provide a little fiber, but also contributes to the carbohydrates. As with so many things we eat, particularly around the holidays, I suggest moderation in how many you eat, but relish every bite!

Final Word

Please let me know if you make these gingerbread cookies in a jar. I confess, I have a sweet tooth and these are the perfect solution for a mid-afternoon snack. Gingerbread Cookie Recipes are a favorite around here! We have so much fun enjoying the flavor and taste, plus the decorating is so much fun! You haven’t seen fun until you see your kids and grandkids playing with the gingerbread man that they helped to make!

Stay well, and stay safe, my friends. May God bless this world, Linda

Molasses Cookies by Linda