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Soft Gingerbread Cookies
These soft gingerbread cookies are full of warm spices and perfect for holiday celebrations. They’re easy to make and deliciously chewy!
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These soft gingerbread cookies are perfectly spiced, chewy, and bursting with warm holiday flavors. They’re easy to bake, and the dough is so simple to mix together. The ginger, cinnamon, and molasses blend into a delightful treat that’s perfect for cookie swaps or cozy evenings. Plus, they fill your kitchen with the best holiday aroma!
This recipe is easy to follow, with step-by-step photos and directions to guide you. We’ve also included pro tips and tricks for the perfect bake every time. Don’t forget to check out the frequently asked questions and answers to ensure your cookies turn out just right!
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These soft gingerbread cookies take just thirty minutes to make and are perfect for any holiday party or family gathering. The rich molasses and warm spices create a chewy, flavorful cookie everyone will love. They’re easy to whip up and always impress, whether for dessert or a festive snack. Try this simple recipe at home and fill your kitchen with delicious holiday aromas!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make these Soft Gingerbread Cookies:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup of butter
- ¾ cup of brown sugar
- ¼ cup of molasses
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of cloves
- ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
- 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour
For The Icing:
- 2 tablespoons of meringue powder
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- ½ cup of water
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Gingerbread Cookies recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your cookies uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor in your gingerbread cookies.
Substitute Molasses: Use honey or maple syrup for a sweeter twist in your Soft Gingerbread Cookies.
Substitute Brown Sugar: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option in your cookies.
Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips for a fun, sweet addition to your gingerbread cookies.
How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and helpful tips and tricks to make these perfect cookies. Let’s get started and bake up some soft gingerbread goodness!
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
SECOND STEP: In the bowl of a stand mixer, or a medium bowl with a hand mixer, cream butter and sugar.
Pro Tip
Be sure to use room temperature butter for the perfect, fluffy cookies.
THIRD STEP: Add molasses, vanilla, and eggs and mix on medium-low until well combined. The mixture will appear a little separated.
FOURTH STEP: Stir the baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg into the wet ingredients.
Pro Tip
The baking soda is what helps make this recipe so soft and chewy! If you omit the baking soda, you will end up with a crunchy and crisp gingerbread cookie.
FIFTH STEP: Gradually add the flour and mix until just combined.
SIXTH STEP: Use a cookie scoop to spoon large balls of dough onto a cookie sheet. Press down on the dough to flatten it.
SEVENTH STEP: Bake cookies for 9 to 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack completely before frosting.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
For The Icing
FIRST STEP: In a clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add meringue powder and powdered sugar.
SECOND STEP: Slowly add the water ¼ cup at a time until you’ve reached a spreadable consistency. Turn the mixer on high for 10 to 20 seconds.
Pro Tip
I didn’t want my icing to be like flood icing, I kept it a little thicker, so I could pipe on my patterns and words. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a bit more water.
THIRD STEP: With a piping bag and Wilton #3 tip, you can decorate your cooled cookies with your icing!
How To Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies
These soft gingerbread cookies are perfect for any occasion and loved by all ages. You can serve them at parties, holiday gatherings, or just as a cozy treat at home.
Holiday Parties: These gingerbread cookies are ideal for Christmas celebrations or cookie exchanges. Pair them with a festive hot chocolate or spiced cider for a delightful holiday spread.
Kid-Friendly Snacks: Kids love the soft texture and warm spices in these cookies. Serve them with milk or hot cocoa for a comforting after-school snack that everyone enjoys.
Winter Treats: Gingerbread cookies are a classic winter treat that pairs well with eggnog or a warm cup of tea. They’re great for sharing at winter potlucks or cozy family nights.
Why You'll Love This Soft Gingerbread Recipe
Soft Gingerbread Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a beloved favorite for several delicious reasons:
A Warm Hug of Flavor: These cookies combine the rich molasses and perfect blend of spices for a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Every bite feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Family-Friendly Fun: Loved by both kids and adults, these cookies bring the whole family together. Baking them is just as fun as eating them, creating memories with every batch.
Perfect for Holiday Celebrations: Whether for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or cozy nights by the fire, these cookies capture the spirit of the season. Their soft texture and festive flavor make them a must-have during the holidays.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies aren't just a recipe—they're a holiday tradition that brings joy with every delicious bite!
Recipe FAQ
How do I keep my gingerbread cookies soft?
Make sure not to over bake them and store them in an airtight container to lock in moisture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking.
Why is my dough sticky?
Gingerbread dough can be sticky due to molasses. Chilling it for at least thirty minutes makes it easier to handle.
Can I roll the dough for cut-out shapes?
This recipe creates a softer dough, so it’s best for drop cookies rather than rolled shapes.
Serving FAQ
When is the best time to serve gingerbread cookies?
Soft gingerbread cookies are perfect for serving during the holidays, especially at Christmas parties or family gatherings.
How should I present these cookies at a holiday party?
Serve your soft gingerbread cookies on a festive tray or in a decorative tin to make them extra special.
Can I decorate soft gingerbread cookies for special occasions?
Yes, you can add icing or sprinkles to make them even more festive for holidays, birthdays, or events.
Are these cookies good for gift-giving?
Absolutely! Soft gingerbread cookies make wonderful homemade gifts. Pack them in a holiday box or tin for a thoughtful treat.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for the best way to store your soft gingerbread cookies. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got everything covered to keep your cookies fresh and delicious.
Can I make soft gingerbread cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to two days ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What’s the best way to store leftover gingerbread cookies?
Store leftover gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze soft gingerbread cookies?
Yes, you can freeze baked gingerbread cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.
How should I thaw and reheat frozen gingerbread cookies?
Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature and reheat them gently in the microwave for ten to fifteen seconds to soften.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
These soft gingerbread cookies are full of warm spices and perfect for holiday celebrations. They’re easy to make and deliciously chewy!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
Icing
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup water
DIRECTIONS
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar.
- Add molasses, vanilla, and eggs; mix on medium-low until well combined, the mixture will appear a little separated.
- Stir in the baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add flour; mix until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to spoon large balls of dough onto the cookie sheet. Press down on the dough to flatten.
- Bake for 9 to 10 minutes at 375°F.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Icing
- In a clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add meringue powder and powdered sugar.
- Slowly add the water ¼ cup at a time until you’ve reached a spreadable consistency. Turn mixer on high for 10 to 20 seconds.
- With a piping bag and Wilton #3 tip, you can decorate with your icing!
Notes
- Be sure to use room temperature butter for the perfect, fluffy cookies.
- The baking soda is what helps make this recipe so soft and chewy! If you omit the baking soda, you will end up with a crunchy and crisp gingerbread cookie.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
- I didn’t want my icing to be like flood icing, I kept it a little thicker so I could pipe on my patterns and words. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a bit more water.
Nutrition
Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
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