Irresistibly Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe: Holiday Magic in Every Bite

Baking soft gingerbread cookies that melt in your mouth brings pure holiday magic to your kitchen.

Warm spices dance through the dough, creating an irresistible aroma that fills every corner.

These classic treats carry a rich, comforting flavor that connects generations of bakers.

The delicate balance of molasses and ginger creates a tender, spiced cookie everyone adores.

Sweet memories of childhood winters come flooding back with each soft, chewy bite.

You can easily whip up this simple recipe in under an hour.

Enjoy these delightful cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa and savor the season’s warmth.

Gingerbread Cookies – Seasonal Charm

• Whip up these soft gingerbread cookies with minimal effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and classic molasses, these cookies deliver a mouthwatering holiday taste that'll make everyone smile.
• Great for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy afternoon treat that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Top with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles for a festive look that transforms simple cookies into a show-stopping dessert.

Soft Gingerbread Cookie Ingredients

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Sugars: Add sweetness and contribute to the cookies' soft and chewy consistency.
• Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies and helps bind ingredients together.
• Molasses: Gives the classic gingerbread flavor and deep, dark color to the cookies.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and helps create a moist cookie texture.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cookies rise and create a soft, light texture.
• Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Provide the traditional warm and spicy gingerbread flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar: Create a smooth and creamy frosting base with rich flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds depth to the frosting.
• Milk: Helps adjust the frosting consistency to make it spreadable.

• Sprinkles: Adds a decorative and festive touch to the finished cookies.

Tools for Gingerbread Cookie Baking

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars, and beating frosting to smooth perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls needed for wet and dry ingredients, helping you keep everything organized.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients like flour, spices, and leavening agents evenly.
• Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper, these will help cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements to ensure consistent cookie texture.
• Spatula: Great for scraping bowl sides and gently mixing dough without overmixing.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely before frosting, preventing soggy bottoms.
• Piping Bag or Offset Spatula: Optional for spreading cream cheese frosting smoothly on cookies.

How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for perfect cookie preparation.

Step 2: Cream Butter to Perfection

Grab your electric mixer and whip butter and sugars until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture.

Take a moment to scrape down the bowl’s sides, ensuring everything blends beautifully.

Step 3: Introduce Liquid Magic

Pour in egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.

Mix until the ingredients dance together into a smooth, glossy blend.

Step 4: Assemble Dry Ingredient Squad

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Stir until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop dough into small balls and place on prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 7: Craft Dreamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Butter
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Add milk to reach desired consistency.

Beat until silky smooth.

Step 8: Decorate with Delight

Allow cookies to cool completely.

Generously spread frosting on top.

Sprinkle with festive decorations if desired.

Pro Tips for Soft Gingerbread Cookies

• Avoid overmixing dough to keep cookies tender and prevent tough texture.
• Adjust ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg ratios to personalize flavor intensity without overwhelming sweetness.
• Store cookies between parchment layers in airtight container to maintain soft, chewy consistency.
• Add milk gradually when preparing cream cheese frosting to achieve perfect spreading texture.
• Let ingredients like butter, egg, and cream cheese sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better integration.

Soft Gingerbread – Try These Add-Ins

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Spice Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and opt for dairy-free cream cheese frosting.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Treat: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce molasses, and use sugar-free frosting alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Ginger Bites: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and create cream cheese frosting with sugar-free sweetener.

Serving Soft Gingerbread Cookies Warm

• Holiday Cookie Platter Perfection: Arrange cookies on a festive wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
• Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve warm cookies alongside spiced hot apple cider or creamy eggnog for a comforting winter treat.
• Gifting Galore: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and add a handwritten holiday tag for a personal touch.
• Family Fun Decoration: Let kids decorate frosted cookies with colorful sprinkles, creating a fun and memorable baking activity.

Gingerbread Cookie Storage Hints

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze for 2-3 months before baking.
• Layer unfrosted cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Warm cookies gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore softness and fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

• How can I ensure my gingerbread cookies stay soft and chewy?

Avoid overbaking the cookies. Take them out when the edges are just light golden brown, and they’ll maintain a soft texture. Cool completely on the baking sheet to help retain moisture.

• What makes these gingerbread cookies different from traditional hard gingerbread?

These cookies use a higher moisture content from ingredients like molasses and butter, which creates a softer, more cake-like texture compared to classic crisp gingerbread cookies.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let the dough come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Homemade gingerbread cookies with warm spices whisper winter comfort from traditional German kitchens. Molasses and brown sugar create rich layers of flavor while delicate ground ginger provides authentic holiday charm.

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Ingredients

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Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 whole egg
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Wet and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even spacing for optimal cookie placement.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to cream butter and sugars until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, approximately 3-4 minutes, periodically scraping down the bowl’s sides.
3. Incorporate egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the liquid ingredients are completely integrated and smooth.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and aromatic spices until uniformly combined.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix and develop tough cookies.
6. Portion dough into rounded tablespoon-sized balls, placing them evenly on prepared baking sheets, and bake for 9-11 minutes until edges turn delicate golden brown.
7. Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla until creamy, adding small amounts of milk to achieve desired consistency.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely before generously spreading frosting across the surface, optionally decorating with festive sprinkles for additional visual appeal.

Notes

• Keep butter at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture.
• Use unsulphured molasses for a deeper, richer flavor without bitter undertones.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain soft, plump shape.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Reduce spices by half if you prefer a milder gingerbread flavor profile.
• Roll cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a sparkly, crisp exterior.
• Store frosted cookies in refrigerator to keep cream cheese topping fresh and firm.
• Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or black pepper for a unique twist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg