Honey Gingerbread Cookies with Cinnamon and Cloves
Honey-sweetened gingerbread cookies spiced with ginger, cinnamon and cloves.
These gingerbread cookies combine honey, butter and warm spices for a fragrant, lightly crisp biscuit. The source warms the honey mixture, then adds egg and flour; this version lets the syrup cool until just warm before mixing to keep the egg from cooking. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and cut cleanly. Roll to about 5 mm for a cookie that holds its shape while staying pleasantly tender. Decorate only after the cookies cool completely. Heat honey, sugar and butter in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and cool until warm, not hot. Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and baking soda in a large bowl. Beat egg into cooled honey mixture. Pour into dry ingredients and mix to form a soft dough. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
Recipe card
Honey Gingerbread Cookies with Cinnamon and Cloves
Equipment: Knife, cutting board, mixing bowl and suitable pan
Ingredients
Instructions
Warm syrup
Heat honey, sugar and butter in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and cool until warm, not hot.
Mix dry ingredients
Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and baking soda in a large bowl.
Make dough
Beat egg into cooled honey mixture. Pour into dry ingredients and mix to form a soft dough. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
Cut cookies
Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll dough to 5 mm thick and cut shapes. Place on lined trays.
Bake
Bake 9 to 12 minutes until edges are set. Cool 5 minutes on tray, then transfer to a rack.
Decorate
Cool completely before adding icing.
How to tell when it is ready
Edges are set; cookies will firm as they cool.
Tips
- Cool the syrup before adding egg.
- Chill dough before rolling.
- Roll evenly to about 5 mm.
- Cool fully before decorating.
Troubleshooting
- If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
- If browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Substitutions
- Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
- Choose a broth or seasoning that suits your dietary needs.
Variations
- Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
- Add a little citrus for brightness.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with tea.
- Decorate with royal icing.
- Pair with citrus.
- Arrange on a holiday cookie plate.
Make ahead
Measure ingredients ahead and finish cooking shortly before serving.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.
Food safety
Contains wheat, egg and dairy. Do not serve honey to infants under 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare this ahead?
Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.
How should I store gingerbread cookies?
Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.
Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.
More recipes to try
Spotted a detail that needs correcting? Contact the FeastDelights editors.