Created on December 1st, 2025 at 09:55 am
A classic holiday treat with rich spices
Gingerbread cookies hold a special place in many hearts, bringing warmth and nostalgia to the holiday season. Soft and chewy, these cookies are infused with the earthy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, creating a delightful harmony that fills the kitchen with a comforting aroma. Their golden-brown hue, dusted with powdered sugar or plain, invites you to take a bite and enjoy the comforting blend of spices against the tender texture. These cookies not only evoke memories of festive gatherings but also offer a simple pleasure that can brighten any chilly day.
Baking these soft gingerbread cookies is a joyful experience. The warmth of the spices wafting through your home sets a cozy atmosphere, making it easy to embrace the season’s spirit. They are perfect for sharing during the holidays or for enjoying at home with a warm cup of tea or milk. Their delightful texture and rich flavors provide comfort that is hard to resist, making this recipe a true seasonal favorite.
What Makes This Recipe Special
These soft gingerbread cookies have an appealing tenderness that sets them apart. The combination of molasses and butter results in a rich and moist texture that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices. With a straightforward mixing process, these cookies come together quickly, making them suitable for busy days or festive gatherings. Their versatility allows for personalization—consider adding chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts if you want a twist on the classic flavor.
Leftovers are a joy, as the cookies tend to soften even more overnight, enhancing their flavor. They are also ideal for gifting or cookie exchanges, ensuring that your baked treats will be enjoyed by friends and family alike. This recipe is not just about the cookies themselves, but the moments created while baking and sharing them with loved ones.
Time Breakdown
This recipe is efficient and uncomplicated, fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule. Most of the time is dedicated to simple mixing and baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Kitchen Tools
This recipe calls for only a few essential tools to keep the baking experience straightforward and enjoyable.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The aroma of the baking cookies will gradually fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting space.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the spices for a uniform flavor throughout the cookies.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using a whisk or electric mixer. Beat them until light and fluffy, which will add air into the mixture, ensuring a tender cookie.
Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is smooth and combined. The rich, dark molasses adds depth and sweetness, enhancing the cookie’s overall flavor.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a tougher cookie. At this point, the dough will be thick and fragrant.
Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and drop it onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer, you can roll the dough into balls for a uniform shape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will firm up while cooling.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The delightful aroma will linger in your kitchen, tempting anyone nearby.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
- To achieve a crinkled top, press the cookies gently with the palm of your hand before putting them in the oven.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste; adding black pepper or nutmeg can introduce a unique twist.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week, making them perfect for enjoying later.
Simple Holiday Comfort
These soft gingerbread cookies embody the spirit of the season with their rich flavors and tender bite. They are quick to prepare yet offer a heartfelt sentiment that resonates with holiday gatherings and quiet moments at home. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are a reminder that comfort food can be simple and satisfying. Share them with loved ones, and let each bite bring warmth and joy.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using a whisk or electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and drop it onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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