Description of this recipe
These adorable Gingerbread Mickey Cookies are the perfect festive treat to bake during the holiday season. Combining the classic warmth of gingerbread with the iconic shape of Mickey Mouse, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to faces of all ages. Decorated with white icing and colorful M&Ms, they’re not only delicious but also a delightful activity to share with family and friends.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore this Gingerbread Mickey Cookies recipe for several reasons. First, the blend of spices creates a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful cookie that embodies the holiday spirit. Second, the Mickey Mouse shape adds a playful and charming touch, making them a hit at parties and gatherings. Finally, the decorating process is a fantastic way to get creative and involve everyone in the kitchen, creating cherished memories together. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of the season.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- White decorating icing
- Red and green M&Ms
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients together until they are just combined. Unlike many cookie recipes where creaming the butter is crucial, for these gingerbread cookies, you want to avoid overmixing to maintain a slightly denser texture that is ideal for holding the Mickey shape.
Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the mixture. Stir until these wet ingredients are evenly incorporated. Molasses not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the cookies’ chewy texture and characteristic gingerbread flavor.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent flavor in every cookie.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is no longer visible, but the dough is still slightly soft.
Step 6: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to your desired thickness, about ¼ inch. The thickness will affect the baking time, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake.
Step 7: Use a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. The number of cookies you get will depend on the size of your cutter and how closely you can arrange the cutouts. Re-roll any scraps of dough to maximize yield.
Step 8: Place the Mickey-shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow for even baking.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at 8 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they’re still warm and soft.
Step 11: Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to decorate! Use white decorating icing to add a squiggly wave pattern to the ears of the Mickey cookies. This adds a touch of elegance and highlights the iconic shape.
Step 12: Place two dots of icing across the center of each cookie in a vertical line. These dots will serve as the adhesive for your M&Ms.
Step 13: Select one red and one green M&M for each cookie. The red and green colors add a festive touch, perfectly complementing the gingerbread and white icing.
Step 14: Place the two M&Ms on the icing dots and gently press to secure them. This adds a pop of color and a bit of chocolatey goodness to each cookie.
COOKING Rating: 4.5/5 (Easy to Moderate)
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Gingerbread Mickey Cookies at holiday parties, bake sales, or as a special treat for family and friends. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a warm cup of coffee. For an extra festive touch, arrange them on a decorative platter or package them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon as gifts.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just combined.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Even Baking: Ensure even baking by using parchment paper and spacing the cookies on the baking sheet.
- Decorating Options: Get creative with your decorating! Use different colors of icing, sprinkles, or other candies to personalize your Mickey Cookies.
- Storage: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 9-10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and decorating)
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: Approximately 150-180
Protein: 2 grams
Sodium: 50 mg
Conclusion
These Gingerbread Mickey Cookies are more than just a delightful treat; they’re an experience that brings joy and creativity into your holiday baking. The combination of warm spices, the iconic Mickey Mouse shape, and the fun of decorating makes them a perfect activity for families and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to spread some cheer, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of baking and decorating, and savor every bite of these festive delights!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out.
Q2: Can I use different spices for the gingerbread cookies?
A: Certainly! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom can be added for a unique twist. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of ginger or allspice.
Q3: What if I don’t have a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter?
A: No problem! You can use any cookie cutter you like, such as stars, hearts, or circles. Alternatively, you can cut out squares or rectangles with a knife for a more rustic look.
Q4: Can I use a different type of icing for decorating?
A: Yes, you can use any type of icing you prefer. Royal icing is a great option for a smooth, professional finish, while buttercream icing is a delicious and easy-to-make alternative. You can also use store-bought icing for convenience.
Q5: How can I prevent the cookies from spreading during baking?
A: To prevent the cookies from spreading, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out can help. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature, and avoid overmixing the dough. These steps will help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
