Soft Gingerbread Cookies for Holiday Baking Bliss

Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a holiday classic that fills your home with warmth and joy. I remember baking these with my son, Jake, who insisted on adding extra sprinkles just to make them 'extra festive.' These cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re soft and chewy, melting in your mouth.
• The spices create a cozy aroma that makes your home feel like the holidays.
• They’re fun to decorate with family and friends.

Pure Comfort

Every bite of these Soft Gingerbread Cookies brings back memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer. They are perfect for cozy nights by the fire or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones.

What You Need

• 3 cups 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 g) – Sifted for lightness.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise.
• 2 tsp 2 teaspoons ground ginger – For that classic ginger flavor.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – Gives a nice depth of flavor.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g) – Can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free.
• 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar, packed (220 g) – Light or dark brown sugar works.
• 1 1 large egg – Room temperature for better mixing.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup molasses (120 ml) – Use unsulfured for a milder flavor.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, dough can be refrigerated overnight.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out soft and chewy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. The spices should create a lovely aroma that gets you excited for baking.
3. 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 the mixture turning a lovely light brown color.
4. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth; it should look rich and glossy.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each ball as they will spread while baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They should look slightly puffy and have a nice golden-brown edge.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just a bit.
9. Once cooled, feel free to decorate with icing or sprinkles if desired. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or just enjoying at home.

Make It Perfect

• For softer cookies, underbake them slightly; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
• If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them tightly.

Mix It Up

• Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Try using different spices like nutmeg for a unique flavor.

Perfect Partners

• Pair with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea.
• Serve alongside a platter of assorted holiday cookies.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking. With their warm spices and soft texture, they are sure to bring joy to your celebrations. So gather your loved ones and enjoy making these festive treats together!

Soft Gingerbread Cookies for Holiday Baking Bliss

Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a holiday classic with warm spices and a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or cozy nights, they bring comforting flavors with every bite and are enjoyable to decorate with family and friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 3 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for lightness
• 1 tsp baking soda Helps the cookies rise
• 2 tsp ground ginger For that classic ginger flavor
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon Adds warmth and sweetness
• 0.5 tsp ground cloves Gives a nice depth of flavor
• 0.5 tsp salt Balances the sweetness
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter Softened; can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free
• 1 cup brown sugar Packed; light or dark brown sugar works
• 1 large egg Room temperature for better mixing
• 0.5 cup molasses Use unsulfured for milder flavor
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Cream softened butter and brown sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until smooth and glossy.
5. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined and dough is soft and slightly sticky.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
7. Bake for about 10 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft with golden-brown edges.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to firm up.
9. Decorate with icing or sprinkles if desired and enjoy.