There's something magical about baking Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Chewy Centers during the holidays. I remember one Christmas when my son, Jake, decided to add a little extra ginger to the dough, and we ended up with a batch that was a hit! These cookies are the perfect easy bake Christmas treats that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They have a delightful chewy center that melts in your mouth.
- The warm spices fill your home with a cozy aroma.
- They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts.
Pure Comfort
Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Chewy Centers are the ultimate comfort food during the festive season. They bring back memories of family baking sessions and cozy nights by the fire.
What You Need
- 3 cups 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 g) – Sifted for better texture.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking soda – Helps cookies rise.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp ground ginger – Add more for a spicier flavor.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp ground cinnamon – Warm spice that enhances flavor.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp ground cloves – For a deeper, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt – Balances sweetness.
- 3/4 cup 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170 g) – Room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar, packed (220 g) – Adds moisture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup molasses (120 ml) – For that classic gingerbread taste.
- 1 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. The spices will create a lovely aroma as you mix them.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and you’ll notice a change in color.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined; the batter will be thick and sticky.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want those chewy centers!
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread while baking, so give them room to grow.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain that chewy texture.
- Serve these delightful cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later. They make a fantastic treat for holiday gatherings!
Make It Perfect
- For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough.
- If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the ginger to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Substitute honey for molasses if you want a different sweetness.
Perfect Partners
- These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa.
- Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
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FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for molasses?
You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but the flavor will change slightly.
Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies spread too much, check that your butter was softened, not melted, and that you measured your flour correctly.
Conclusion
These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Chewy Centers are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. They embody the spirit of easy bake Christmas treats, making your festive season sweeter and brighter.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Chewy Centers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are slightly underbaked.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container for later.