Name: Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt

There's nothing quite like the comforting scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies wafting through the kitchen during the holiday season. The combination of warm spices and molasses creates a taste and aroma that captures the essence of the holidays. These gingerbread cookies are soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet, perfect for decorating with friends or enjoying with a cozy cup of hot chocolate.

I first tried this recipe as a way to bring some holiday spirit into my home, and it has since become a treasured family tradition. These cookies are so simple to make and so fun to decorate, making them ideal for a festive baking day with loved ones.

Why You'll Love These Gingerbread Cookies

Get ready to discover your new go-to holiday treat. These gingerbread cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re also surprisingly easy and versatile!

First off, they’re simple to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. The dough is easy to roll out and holds its shape beautifully, so you can get creative with cookie cutters of all shapes and sizes.

These cookies are also great for decorating. Whether you prefer a simple sprinkle of sugar or intricate designs with icing, the sturdy texture of these cookies provides the perfect canvas for decorating.

What’s more, they have the perfect balance of chewiness and crunch. They’re soft in the center with slightly crispy edges, so you get the best of both worlds with each bite.

Lastly, the warm, spicy aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is reason enough to make these cookies! Just imagine the scent of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves mingling as they bake—holiday magic in the air.

Ingredients Notes

The key to delicious gingerbread cookies lies in using fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each component adds to the cookies' depth and warmth, creating that iconic taste we all crave during the holidays.

Molasses is what gives gingerbread its distinctive color and rich, slightly bitter flavor. Make sure to use unsulfured molasses, which has a milder, sweeter taste than blackstrap molasses. If you’re unsure, double-check the label to avoid overpowering the cookies.
Brown Sugar adds a soft, caramel-like sweetness that complements the molasses. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, but dark brown sugar will give the cookies an extra molasses flavor.
Spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are essential for a well-rounded, spicy cookie. These warming spices add layers of flavor, so don’t be shy with them! Using freshly ground spices will also make a noticeable difference.
Butter adds richness and helps the cookies stay soft in the center. Be sure to let the butter come to room temperature before mixing so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
Flour is, of course, the base of the cookie dough. All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, creating a dough that’s sturdy yet soft when baked.

You won’t need any special equipment beyond the basics: mixing bowls, a rolling pin, and cookie cutters. If you have holiday-themed cutters, now’s the perfect time to use them!

How To Make These Gingerbread Cookies

Making these gingerbread cookies is simple and satisfying. Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect holiday cookies in no time.

Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Mixing the dry ingredients together first ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

In a separate bowl, cream your butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for soft, chewy cookies, so take your time to get a smooth, well-blended mixture. Next, beat in the egg and molasses until fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be just combined so the cookies stay tender.

Once your dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to roll out, so don’t skip this step.

When the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place the cookies on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. They should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

Gingerbread cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Just layer parchment paper between the cookies to keep them from sticking.
Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature.
Freezing the Dough: You can also freeze the dough if you prefer baking in batches. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting out shapes.

To reheat, you can microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds to bring back a bit of their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This gingerbread recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and decorations.

Add Some Orange Zest: For a hint of citrus, add a teaspoon of grated orange zest to the dough. The bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
Glaze with Royal Icing: Decorate your cookies with royal icing for a classic look. You can make a simple icing by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Make it Vegan: To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Add a Touch of Pepper: If you like a spicier cookie, try adding a pinch of finely ground black pepper to the dough for a surprising kick.
Sprinkle with Sugar: Before baking, sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar for a touch of extra sweetness and sparkle.

Experimenting with these variations can make each batch unique, perfect for discovering your own favorite twist on this classic recipe. So roll up your sleeves, gather your spices, and get ready for a delightful baking experience. These gingerbread cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday tradition!