Gingerbread Hearts with Dark Chocolate Glaze

Name: Gingerbread Hearts with Dark Chocolate Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

Delight in the festive flavors of these Gingerbread Hearts, perfectly complemented by a rich dark chocolate glaze. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-04T21:13:51.033Z

These Gingerbread Hearts with Dark Chocolate Glaze are a cherished treat during the holiday season. The aromatic spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fill your kitchen with warmth, while the dark chocolate adds a touch of elegance. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed solo, these cookies are sure to bring joy!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful blend of warm spices that evoke holiday nostalgia
Rich dark chocolate glaze that adds a luxurious touch
Perfect for gifting or decorating your holiday table

      

The Joy of Baking Gingerbread

Baking gingerbread cookies is a cherished holiday tradition that brings warmth and joy into your kitchen. The aroma of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for holiday gatherings. These flavors are synonymous with the season, evoking memories of cozy evenings spent with family and friends. As you mix, roll, and cut the dough, you’ll find a sense of nostalgia that binds generations together through the simple act of baking.

Making gingerbread hearts is not only about taste; it's also a creative outlet. With heart-shaped cookie cutters, you can craft beautifully shaped cookies that are perfect for holiday decorations or sweet gifts. Whether you choose to keep them simple or adorn them with intricate designs, these cookies are sure to impress. Each cookie is a canvas, allowing you to express your holiday spirit in delightful and delicious ways.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread

To achieve the perfect gingerbread texture, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when it comes to flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for the best results. Additionally, ensuring that your butter is softened but not melted will help create a light, fluffy dough that holds its shape during baking.

Chilling the dough is another crucial step. Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. If you're short on time, you can also chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet before baking for an even more defined shape. This little trick will ensure you have beautifully shaped gingerbread hearts that are ready for glazing.

Serving and Storing Your Cookies

Once your Gingerbread Hearts are glazed and set, they make a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table. You can arrange them on a festive platter or package them in decorative boxes for gifting. These cookies are not only beautiful but also delicious, making them a thoughtful present for friends, family, or even as a treat for your holiday party guests. Their charming appearance and rich flavors are bound to bring smiles.

When it comes to storing your gingerbread cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the holiday season. If you want to preserve their freshness for an extended period, consider freezing them. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again!

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg

For the Dark Chocolate Glaze

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Gather all your ingredients before starting for a smoother preparation process.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, mixing well.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Cut Out the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.

Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops into the chocolate glaze or drizzle it over the cookies. Let the glaze set before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Hearts!

Variations to Try

While the classic gingerbread flavor is beloved, feel free to experiment with different spices and additions. Try incorporating nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. You can also add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chunks to the dough for added texture and flavor. Each variation will bring its own character to your gingerbread hearts, making them even more special.

For a more festive touch, consider decorating the cookies with royal icing or sprinkles after glazing them with chocolate. You can create fun designs or write cheerful messages to make your cookies stand out. This is a great way to involve children in the baking process, allowing them to unleash their creativity while making memories during the holiday season.

The Science of Gingerbread

Gingerbread has a fascinating history, with roots tracing back to ancient civilizations. Originally used as a medicinal food, it evolved into a festive treat over the centuries. The unique combination of spices not only adds flavor but also contributes to the preservation of the cookies, making them perfect for holiday baking.

The key ingredient in gingerbread, molasses, adds moisture and depth to the flavor profile. It also reacts with baking soda, helping the cookies rise while providing that distinct dark color. Understanding these elements can enhance your baking experience, allowing you to create gingerbread cookies that are perfectly balanced in taste and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate for the glaze?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out.

→ What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together.