We are not in the habit of sharing recipes, minor exception might be cocktails, but this is so good we couldn’t resist.
Few aromas are as evocative of the holiday season as warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves drifting from the oven. Gingerbread has been a beloved treat for centuries, tracing its origins to 11th-century Europe where preserved ginger was combined with honey or syrup to create sweet, spiced cakes. By the 16th century, gingerbread had become popular in England and Germany, often shaped into intricate figures or elaborately decorated for festive occasions. Its combination of warming spices and rich molasses makes it an ideal treat for the cold winter months, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia with every bite.
What makes gingerbread particularly special during the holidays is its versatility. It can be served as a soft, cake-like square, cut into cookies for decorating, or even molded into charming houses and figurines. The deep, molasses-infused flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa, and its spiced sweetness adds an unmistakable seasonal cheer to any dessert spread. Baking gingerbread is as much about creating a sensory experience—through aroma, warmth, and flavor—as it is about enjoying the finished product.
This classic recipe produces a moist, fragrant gingerbread perfect for sharing with friends and family. Its straightforward method ensures that even novice bakers can create a holiday favorite that fills the kitchen with festive cheer.
Ingredients
(Yields 9 servings)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot water
Directions
- Prep the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Add sugar and beat for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and molasses: Mix in the egg, then stir in the molasses until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt into a separate bowl.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, mixing after each addition until incorporated. Stir in the hot water until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, then check doneness with a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, remove from oven; if not, bake an additional 15–30 minutes, checking frequently.
- Cool and serve: Allow gingerbread to cool in the pan before cutting and serving.
Classic gingerbread, with its spiced warmth and tender crumb, is a timeless holiday centerpiece that combines history, flavor, and festive tradition in every bite. Serve it on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an elevated holiday dessert.
