Copycat Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

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That warm, spicy aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses instantly brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and festive holiday seasons. But let’s be honest—baking gingerbread from scratch can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re short on time or not a seasoned baker. That’s where Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mix comes to the rescue!

How to make Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookies

Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookies are a pre-made cookie mix or ready-to-bake product from Betty Crocker, designed to make soft and flavorful gingerbread cookies at home.

Ingredients

• Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mix (available at most grocery stores or online)
• Butter – Softened (typically ⅓ cup; check the mix package for exact measurements)
• Egg – 1 large egg
• Water – Usually 1 tablespoon, based on the instructions on the package
• Powdered sugar glaze or frosting for decorating
• Sprinkles or candies for visual flair
• Chocolate chips or white chocolate drizzle for added sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) or the temperature directed on the cookie mix package. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. Prepare the dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mix, softened butter, egg, and water.
3. Mix until all the ingredients are fully combined and a soft dough forms. You can use a spatula, a stand mixer, or even your hands to work the dough together.
4. Chill the dough (optional but recommended): If you want firmer cookies or plan to roll and cut the dough into shapes, cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when cutting shapes like gingerbread men, stars, or hearts.
5. Roll and shape (if desired): Lightly flour your countertop or work surface.
6. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness using a rolling pin.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, or simply roll dough balls to make classic round cookies.
8. Bake the cookies: Place the shaped cookies or dough balls onto a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1–2 inches of space between each cookie.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, watching closely to avoid overbaking.
10. Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for 2–3 minutes on the baking sheet. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

• Personalize with decorations: Once your cookies are completely cool, decorate them with frosting, a powdered sugar glaze, or sprinkles. You can also use candies like royal icing dots, gumdrops, or mini chocolate chips to give them a festive flair.
• Adjust texture to your taste: For softer cookies, bake them at the lower end of the time range (around 8 minutes). For crispier cookies, let them bake slightly longer, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Add flavor enhancements: Feeling adventurous? Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of pumpkin spice to the dough for enhanced flavor.
• Keep your shapes intact: When rolling out and cutting shapes, don’t roll the dough too thin—it’s best to stick to about ¼ inch thickness to ensure that the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Double the fun with icing and toppings: Prepare a simple powdered sugar glaze (using powdered sugar, water, and a dash of vanilla extract) or festive holiday frosting to make your cookies even more delightful.

Ingredients Substitutes

Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mix makes baking gingerbread cookies simple, but sometimes you may need to swap out ingredients due to dietary restrictions, ingredient availability, or simply to experiment with flavors.

1. Butter Substitutes

Butter is typically used in the gingerbread cookie mix to give the cookies structure and a rich, buttery flavor. If you’re out of butter or need to adjust to dietary needs, here are alternatives:

a. Margarine or Vegan Butter

• Use margarine or a plant-based vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Substitute in an equal 1:1 ratio for butter.

b. Coconut Oil

• Refined coconut oil works well as a substitute and adds a subtle richness. Replace butter with coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio.
• Keep in mind that unrefined coconut oil will add a slight coconut flavor, which complements the gingerbread spices.

c. Applesauce

• For reduced fat and a healthier option, swap out butter with applesauce in a 1:1 ratio.
• The cookies will be softer and cakier rather than crispy or chewy, but they will taste great!

d. Vegetable Oil

• Replace butter with vegetable oil in a ¾:1 ratio (¾ cup oil for 1 cup butter).
• Cookies may spread more when baking, so chilling the dough is recommended.

2. Egg Substitutes

Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the texture of the cookies. If you’re out of eggs or need a vegan alternative, here are substitutes:

a. Flaxseed or Chia Seed Egg

• Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water. Let it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency.
• This substitute binds the dough well and adds a subtle nuttiness.

b. Unsweetened Applesauce

• Replace 1 egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce.
• This works especially well for creating soft, moist cookies.

c. Yogurt

• Swap an egg with ¼ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt.
• This will add moisture and help create a softer cookie texture.

d. Mashed Banana

• Use ¼ cup of mashed ripe banana to replace 1 egg.
• Bananas impart natural sweetness, so your cookies might taste sweeter and slightly fruity.

3. Water Substitutes

The Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mix often calls for water to help the dough come together, but you can use other liquids to change the flavor or texture of the cookies.

a. Milk or Plant-Based Milk

• Use cow’s milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk in a 1:1 ratio for water.
• This substitute adds richness and gives the dough a smoother consistency.

b. Orange Juice

• For a citrusy twist, substitute water with orange juice (same quantity as water).
• This works well if you want a unique holiday flavor in your cookies.

c. Apple Juice or Apple Cider

• Replace water with unsweetened apple juice or spiced apple cider for enhanced seasonal flavors.
• The subtle fruity notes blend beautifully with the gingerbread spices.

Final Thoughts

Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookies are a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in so many ways. From cozying up with a warm chai latte to creating an elaborate dessert board for guests, the possibilities are endless.

More Cookies Recipes:

• Copycat Betty Crocker Christmas Cookies Recipe
• Copycat Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
• Homemade Hershey Kiss Christmas Cookies Recipe