How to Make Gingerbread Christmas Ornaments

Gingerbread Christmas ornaments are a fun and festive way to decorate your home for the holidays. They're also a great way to get the kids involved in some holiday baking. Here's a recipe for making gingerbread Christmas ornaments:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup all-purpose flour

* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

* 1/2 cup granulated sugar

* 1 large egg

* 1 tablespoon molasses

* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.

4. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.

8. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

9. Transfer the cookies to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.

11. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, or other decorations.

13. Use a ribbon or string to hang your gingerbread Christmas ornaments on your tree or around your home.

Tips:

* For a more festive look, use colored sugar or sprinkles to decorate your gingerbread ornaments.

* You can also add spices like cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.

* If you don't have any cookie cutters, you can also use a sharp knife to cut out shapes from the dough.

* Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before decorating them, otherwise the frosting will melt.

* Gingerbread Christmas ornaments make great gifts for friends and family.