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Whole Wheat Gingerbread Stars with Citrus Glaze

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 95
These elegant Whole Wheat Gingerbread Stars are the perfect blend of wholesome and festive. Made with nutrient-rich whole wheat flour, warm spices like ginger and cinnamon, and sweetened with molasses, they’re hearty yet delicious. A bright citrus glaze made with fresh orange juice adds a tangy finish, making these cookies a holiday favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Bake Time: 10 minutes | Yield: 24–30 cookies
Key Steps:
1. Mix whole wheat gingerbread dough and chill for 1 hour.
2. Roll, cut into star shapes, and bake until golden.
3. Drizzle with a simple orange glaze for a festive touch.
Perfect for gifting, decorating, or enjoying with loved ones!

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

  • 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Citrus Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (or lemon for a tarter flavor)
  • 1 tsp orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • In a large bowl, cream butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
  • Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Let the cookies cool completely before glazing.

Step 3: Make the Citrus Glaze

  • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Adjust consistency with more juice or sugar as needed.
  • Drizzle or pipe the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

 

Pro Tips for Baking Success

  • Chill the Dough: This step is essential for clean edges and perfectly shaped stars. If you’re short on time, pop the dough in the freezer for 20 minutes instead.
  • Don’t Overbake: Gingerbread cookies should be slightly soft when they come out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
  • Play with Decorations: For extra sparkle, sprinkle edible glitter or crushed candy canes over the glaze before it sets.

Variations to Try

  • Lemon-Lavender Glaze: Swap orange juice for lemon juice and add a pinch of dried lavender for a floral twist.
  • Chocolate Dip: Half-dip the stars in dark chocolate for a rich, decadent finish.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the dough for a subtle, warming heat.
Calories: 95kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Holiday Baking
Keyword: Christmas cookies, citrus glaze, healthy holiday baking, Whole wheat gingerbread cookies