Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a classic holiday favorite that brings warmth and nostalgia to every kitchen. With a tender, chewy texture and rich, spiced flavor, these cookies are the perfect treat to bake from scratch during the festive season. This version of the recipe gives you clear steps and helpful tips so you can achieve soft, comforting cookies every time. From creaming the butter to decorating with sweet icing, you will love how approachable this recipe is. Whether you are baking with family or sharing with friends, these soft gingerbread cookies are sure to be a hit this holiday season.
Why You Will Love These Soft Gingerbread Cookies
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Soft Gingerbread Cookies. These cookies come out perfectly soft and chewy with every batch, delivering the ultimate holiday comfort. The carefully balanced blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg offers a nostalgic, cozy flavor that instantly feels festive. Molasses adds a rich, deep sweetness while brown sugar helps lock in moisture. The recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners, and decorating with icing makes it a fun activity for the whole family. Whether you’re hosting a party or making edible gifts, these cookies never disappoint.
Ingredients
Cookies
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1 cup butter
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¾ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup molasses
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1 tablespoon vanilla
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2 eggs
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons ground ginger
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon cloves
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
Icing
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2 tablespoons meringue powder
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4 cups powdered sugar
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½ cup water
Step by Step How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by making sure your butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing. Measure all your spices and dry ingredients to streamline the process once you start baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the molasses and vanilla to the mixture, followed by the eggs. Mix on medium-low speed until well combined. The mixture may look slightly separated at this stage, but that’s completely normal.
Step 4: Incorporate Spices and Leavening Agents
Add in the baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These aromatic spices infuse the dough with a warm, traditional holiday taste that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Mix in the Flour
Slowly add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense instead of soft and chewy.
Step 6: Scoop and Flatten
Use a cookie scoop to form uniform dough balls and place them on a baking sheet. Lightly press each one to flatten slightly so they bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool Before Icing
After removing the cookies from the oven, transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely so the icing won’t melt or smudge when applied.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing
In a clean stand mixer bowl with the whisk attachment, combine the meringue powder and powdered sugar. Gradually add water, about ¼ cup at a time, until the icing reaches a spreadable consistency. Whip on high for 10 to 20 seconds.
Step 10: Decorate
Use a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #3 tip to pipe festive designs, words, or patterns onto your cooled cookies. Get creative and make them your own.
Helpful Tips
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Always use butter at room temperature for the best texture.
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For a stronger spice profile, increase the ginger by an extra half tablespoon.
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Avoid overbaking for the softest cookies — check them right at the 9-minute mark.
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If your icing feels too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time until smooth.
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Decorate over wax paper to keep your kitchen tidy and make cleanup easy.
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Keep cookies sealed in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to change things up or accommodate dietary needs? You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Dark corn syrup is a possible substitute for molasses if you’re in a pinch, though the flavor will differ. Vegan butter can be used to make the cookies dairy-free. Add-ins like orange zest or chopped crystallized ginger can offer a unique twist. If you prefer a slightly crisp edge, simply bake them an extra minute or two. You can even add cardamom or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
Storage Instructions
To keep your gingerbread cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the baked (but undecorated) cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating. Extra icing can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to one week. Stir before using.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains around 233 calories, with 28 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of fat, and 3 grams of protein. They also include 129mg of potassium and small amounts of calcium and iron. While not low in sugar, they’re a perfectly sweet indulgence for special occasions. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider minimizing the icing or using a lighter glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Soft gingerbread cookies pair perfectly with hot beverages like apple cider, coffee, or spiced tea. Serve them on a festive platter with seasonal garnishes such as cranberries and pine sprigs for added flair. These cookies also make thoughtful homemade gifts — just wrap in parchment or cellophane and tie with ribbon. For dessert, try sandwiching them with vanilla ice cream or serving alongside a fruit and cheese board to balance sweet with savory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Why did my cookies turn out hard instead of soft?
Hard cookies are often the result of overbaking or omitting the baking soda. Make sure you pull them from the oven when they’re just set, and always include the baking soda for a chewy texture.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. This actually enhances the flavor and makes the dough easier to work with.
Is it necessary to use meringue powder in the icing?
While meringue powder helps the icing set nicely, you can use a mix of powdered sugar and milk if you don’t have it. Just note that the consistency and finish may vary.
What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
Place decorated cookies in a single layer or between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to five days.
Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?
Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for baking with children. They’ll love helping mix the dough and decorating with icing. It’s a fun way to bond during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for joining me in baking these Soft Gingerbread Cookies. I absolutely love how simple yet flavorful they are, with warm spices and a perfectly soft bite that feels like a hug from the holidays. They’ve become a cherished part of my festive traditions, and I hope they bring the same joy to your home. Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or just a cozy night in, I know you’ll find them irresistible. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of this wonderful food-loving community!
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Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Gingerbread Cookies made with cozy spices like ginger and cinnamon, baked to a perfectly chewy texture. These classic holiday cookies are easy to make from scratch and fun to decorate with homemade icing. Great for gifting, parties, or festive baking with the family.
Ingredients
Cookies:
1 cup butter (room temperature)
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup molasses
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
Icing:
2 tablespoons meringue powder
4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup water (add gradually)
Instructions
Start by making sure your butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing. Measure all your spices and dry ingredients to streamline the process once you start baking.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that tender cookie texture.
Add the molasses and vanilla to the mixture, followed by the eggs. Mix on medium-low speed until well combined. The mixture may look slightly separated at this stage, but that’s completely normal.
Add in the baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These aromatic spices infuse the dough with a warm, traditional holiday taste that’s hard to resist.
Slowly add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense instead of soft and chewy.
Use a cookie scoop to form uniform dough balls and place them on a baking sheet. Lightly press each one to flatten slightly so they bake evenly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
After removing the cookies from the oven, transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely so the icing won’t melt or smudge when applied.
In a clean stand mixer bowl with the whisk attachment, combine the meringue powder and powdered sugar. Gradually add water, about ¼ cup at a time, until the icing reaches a spreadable consistency. Whip on high for 10 to 20 seconds.
Use a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #3 tip to pipe festive designs, words, or patterns onto your cooled cookies. Get creative and make them your own.
Notes
Use room temperature butter for smooth dough and fluffy texture.
Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft and chewy.
For thinner icing, add water a little at a time until desired consistency.
Cookies can be made ahead and frozen undecorated for up to 3 months.
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes Additional Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 233
- Sugar: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g