If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting treat that perfectly balances warm spices and tender texture, this Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy with just the right touch of molasses sweetness and a symphony of traditional gingerbread spices that make every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a casual get-together, or just because, these cookies bring joy and nostalgia in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role. From the richness of butter and molasses to the cozy blend of spices, every component builds layers of flavor and texture that will make these cookies irresistible.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps achieve that soft, tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup): Brings sweetness and moisture for chewiness.
- Egg (1 large): Binds ingredients and lends structure.
- Molasses (1 cup, not blackstrap): Infuses deep, robust sweetness and classic gingerbread flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Enhances the rise and tender texture without a tangy taste.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
- Flour (5 cups): The sturdy base that holds everything together while keeping the cookie soft.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just right.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- Ground ginger (1 tablespoon): Brings the essential spicy kick central to gingerbread.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and a subtle sweetness.
- Ground allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Provides depth with subtle peppery and clove notes.
- Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes a rich, aromatic spice touch.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a mild, nutty spice to round out the profile.
How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven will be perfectly hot and ready once your dough is set, so your cookies bake evenly and develop that classic gingerbread color and softness.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, resulting in soft, tender cookies.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Beat the egg into the creamed mixture, then add molasses, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until smooth and homogenous. The molasses not only provides flavor but also moisture that keeps the cookies soft.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the fragrant ground spices: ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. This evenly distributes the rising agent and spices so every cookie is perfectly seasoned.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle to ensure they stay soft and tender.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover and chill the dough for at least 2 hours. This is a key step to prevent spreading during baking and to deepen the flavors, giving you perfectly shaped cookies with maximum taste.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft to the touch. Let them cool slightly before moving—they’ll firm up just right.
How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, dust your Soft Gingerbread Cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Add a few colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for special occasions to really wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai, hot cocoa, or even a creamy eggnog. For something lighter, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream makes a dreamy companion that complements the spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a beautiful cookie platter by arranging your gingerbread cookies alongside fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and little sprigs of pine or rosemary for a rustic holiday vibe. You can also sandwich soft gingerbread cookies with cream cheese frosting or your favorite jam for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Soft Gingerbread Cookies will stay beautifully soft when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain their moisture, keeping them fresh longer.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough or baked cookies. Wrap cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Cookies should be fully cooled before freezing in a single layer with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To enjoy your gingerbread cookies warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave briefly for 10 to 15 seconds. Warmed cookies regain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and release those amazing spice aromas all over again.
FAQs
Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?
While blackstrap molasses is more robust and bitter, this Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe calls for regular molasses to maintain its characteristic sweet, mellow flavor. Using blackstrap may result in a more intense and slightly less sweet cookie.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps the flavors develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also makes the dough easier to handle, so your cookies come out perfectly shaped and soft.
How can I make the cookies crispier?
For a crunchier texture, try baking the cookies a minute or two longer, or reduce the amount of molasses slightly. However, this Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is designed to deliver that soft, tender chew everyone loves.
Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free alternative?
Yes! You can replace the butter with an equal amount of dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, but keep in mind this might slightly change the flavor and texture. The cookies may be a bit less rich but still deliciously soft.
How should I store leftover cookies if I want them fresh for gifting?
Store cookies in an airtight tin layered with parchment paper at room temperature. For gifting, add a slice of bread into the tin to keep cookies moist during transit, and package them in a pretty box or tin to keep them safe and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is a true treasure if you love warm spices with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Baking these cookies is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of comforting flavors, and sharing them makes every moment just a bit sweeter. Give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes a staple for seasonal celebrations, regular tea times, or any time you need a little happy in cookie form.
Print
Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 50 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft gingerbread cookies, perfectly spiced and chewy, making them an irresistible treat for the holiday season or any time you crave a warm, comforting cookie. Made with molasses and a blend of classic spices, these cookies offer rich flavor with a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 5 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your gingerbread cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, vinegar, and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine all flavors and create a rich, flavorful batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the warm spices — ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg — to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it for at least 2 hours; this step firms the dough for easier handling and enhances the cookie’s flavor and texture.
- Scoop Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the chilled dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them appropriately to allow cookie spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set and firm but the centers remain soft and chewy, ensuring a perfect soft gingerbread cookie.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the dough chill overnight to allow the spices to fully meld.
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar without affecting the flavor significantly.
- To keep cookies soft longer, store in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
- If you prefer sharper spice notes, increase the ground ginger or cinnamon slightly.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
