Gingerbread Cookies Recipe – Soft, Spiced & Perfect

Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like a batch of warm, spiced gingerbread cookies. This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe creates cookies that are perfectly soft, chewy, and packed with holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Whether you’re making these festive treats for a holiday gathering, decorating them with kids, or gifting them to loved ones, this classic recipe is a must-have for the season. The combination of molasses and brown sugar adds deep, rich flavors, while the gentle crispness around the edges makes them absolutely irresistible.

Nutrition & Instructions

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cuisine: American, European
• Course: Dessert
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: ~150 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutters (optional, for festive shapes)
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing (Optional):

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg white or 2 tbsp meringue powder mixed with 2 tbsp water
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. The dough should be thick but not overly sticky. If needed, lightly flour your hands to handle it.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes rolling easier.

Step 5: Preheat Oven & Roll Out Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough as desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing (Optional)

If decorating, mix powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder mixture), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired. Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to decorate.

Tips for Best Results

• Chill the Dough – This prevents spreading and makes rolling easier.
• Don’t Overbake – Gingerbread cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
• Use Dark Molasses – It gives the cookies a deeper, richer flavor.
• Decorate Creatively – Use sprinkles, edible glitter, or piped designs for festive fun.

Pairing Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with:

• A warm cup of hot cocoa or chai tea
• Vanilla ice cream for a holiday dessert
• A classic glass of milk

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is the perfect way to bring festive joy into your home. Whether you enjoy them plain, decorated, or as a fun holiday activity, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. Try them today and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of holiday spices!