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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even spacing for optimal cookie placement.
- 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.
- Incorporate egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the liquid ingredients are completely integrated and smooth.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and aromatic spices until uniformly combined.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix and develop tough cookies.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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