There’s something truly magical about the aroma of gingerbread cookies wafting through your kitchen. Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful treat enjoyed during the holiday season and beyond. Their warm, spiced flavor and chewy texture make them a favorite, whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a sweet, comforting snack. As someone who has indulged in these cookies since childhood, I can assure you they bring a sense of nostalgia that’s hard to match.
Why you’ll adore these cookies
Why make Soft Gingerbread Cookies, you ask? For starters, they’re incredibly easy to whip up and require ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family brunches, or special occasions when you want to spread some cheer. Moreover, these cookies are budget-friendly, allowing you to bake a batch without breaking the bank. Their festive spices also make them a fantastic option for cooling winter nights, serving as a warm hug in cookie form.
“I made these gingerbread cookies for a holiday party, and they were a hit! Soft, spicy, and utterly delicious. I’ll definitely make them again!” – Happy Baker
Step-by-step overview
Baking these Soft Gingerbread Cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. From preparing the dough to diving into a plate of freshly baked goodness, the process is simple. You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients, forming a soft dough, and then baking them until perfectly set. This overview prepares you for what’s ahead—so let’s gather our ingredients!
What you’ll need
To make these charming cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to adjust spices to suit your taste; for example, adding a pinch of nutmeg can give your cookies an extra depth of flavor.
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a mixing bowl. This will be your dry mix.
- In another bowl, cream your softened butter with brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. It’s the key to achieving that delightful texture!
- Beat the egg, followed by the molasses and vanilla, into your butter-sugar mixture until everything is well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing carefully until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake these sweet gems for 10-12 minutes until the edges appear set and the centers remain soft. They’ll firm up nicely as they cool.
- Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best ways to enjoy them
Serving Soft Gingerbread Cookies can be an art of its own. These cookies are perfect on their own or served alongside hot cocoa or a cup of coffee. For a special touch, consider drizzling them with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk or adorning them with festive sprinkles. They also pair beautifully with creamy whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
How to store & freeze
After your baking adventure, it’s essential to store your cookies properly to maintain their soft and chewy texture. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their freshness, consider freezing them. Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, just let it thaw at room temperature.
Pro chef tips
- When creaming butter and sugar, do it for a few extra minutes to incorporate more air into the mixture, resulting in lighter cookies.
- If you prefer softer cookies, keep an eye on the baking time and pull them out as soon as the edges are firm.
- Experiment with adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Creative twists
Feel like switching things up? Try these variations:
- Substitute half of the molasses with maple syrup for a unique twist.
- For a touch of citrus, add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough.
- Spice it up even further with a bit of black pepper for a surprising kick.
Your questions answered
How long do I need to prepare and bake these cookies?
The preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking is around 10-12 minutes. You can have fresh cookies in under an hour!
Can I substitute the molasses?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will differ slightly. Unsulfured molasses gives the best traditional gingerbread taste.
Can I make these cookies in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling it.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help keep their shape.
With that, you’re ready to enjoy the delightful world of Soft Gingerbread Cookies! Happy baking!
Print
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and chewy gingerbread cookies perfect for the holiday season, infused with warm spices and a touch of nostalgia.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For more flavor, adjust spices or try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American