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soft gingerbread cookies topped with white icing and festive holly decorations

Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Avatar photoMarla Jennings
A classic holiday treat with rich spices, these soft and chewy cookies filled with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses create a delightful aroma and are perfect for sharing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 150 kcal

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

For extra flavor, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. To achieve a crinkled top, press the cookies gently with your hand before baking. Adjust spices to suit your taste, adding black pepper or nutmeg for a twist. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Keyword Cookies, Festive Treats, Gingerbread, Holiday Baking, Soft Cookies