Gingerbread Cookies are the epitome of holiday baking, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every kitchen. These cookies are thick, soft, and chewy, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season. With a rich flavor profile that includes molasses and a blend of spices, they evoke the cozy feelings of wintertime gatherings. In addition to being a classic treat, they make for delightful decorations and gifts, making them a must-bake during the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookies

There are many reasons to love these gingerbread cookies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The use of rich molasses not only adds flavor but also keeps the cookies moist and chewy for days. These cookies can be customized with various decorations, making them ideal for holiday festivities. If you’re looking for spiced cookies that capture the essence of the season, these are the ones. Plus, they can easily be adapted for special diets, offering gluten-free and vegan alternatives. The satisfaction of biting into a warm, homemade cookie can’t be beaten!

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies

Gather these items:

1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temp
6 tbsp vegetable shortening
3/4 cup (150g) dark brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
3/4 cup (250g) unsulphured molasses
1 tbsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp ground clove
3 1/2 cups (450g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar
6-8 tsp water
1 tsp corn syrup
Gel food coloring (optional)

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the butter, shortening, and dark brown sugar until light and creamy.
Step 2: Mix in the vanilla and egg. Then add the molasses until smooth.
Step 3: Mix in the spices, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
Step 4: Mix in the flour until a thick dough forms.
Step 5: Dump the dough onto floured plastic wrap, shape into a rectangle, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350F.
Step 7: Cut the dough in half, roll one half to 1/4″ thick, and cut out cookies.
Step 8: Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spaced apart.
Step 9: Bake for 8-10 minutes until puffed with a cracked surface.
Step 10: Rest on the pan for a minute, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Step 11: Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 12: Make the icing by whisking all ingredients, adjusting with water for consistency.
Step 13: Pipe icing designs onto cooled cookies and enjoy.

Pro Tips for the Best Gingerbread Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Chill the dough for best results; 1-2 hours is ideal.
Reduce bake time if dough chills overnight.
Adjust icing consistency with water.
For a festive touch, consider adding gel food coloring to your icing for vibrant decorations.

Best Ways to Serve Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are not just delicious on their own; they can be served with various accompaniments. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat. They also make fantastic gifts when packaged in decorative boxes, especially around the holidays. For those looking to impress, try displaying your holiday cookies on a festive platter with other treats, making a delightful dessert table.

How to Store and Reheat Gingerbread Cookies

To keep your gingerbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, maintaining their soft texture. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the dough and bake fresh cookies whenever you like. This is an excellent option for meal prep during the busy holiday season, as you can have them ready in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Gingerbread Cookies?

The secret lies in the right balance of spices and proper chilling of the dough. Allowing the dough to chill helps develop flavors and ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Can I make Gingerbread Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. This way, you can bake fresh cookies right before a gathering.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Gingerbread Cookies?

To avoid mistakes, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Follow the chilling times to achieve the desired texture.

Variations of Gingerbread Cookies You Can Try

There are countless ways to customize your gingerbread cookies. You can explore gluten-free gingerbread cookies by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free blend. For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter. Add chocolate chips or dried fruits for a unique twist, or try using royal icing to decorate for that perfect holiday touch.

For more tips on baking cookies, check out this Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze recipe. You can also learn about Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for a festive twist!

For additional baking techniques, consider reading this Last Recipes page for inspiration.

Best Gingerbread Cookies: Thick, Soft, and Irresistible

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These are the BEST gingerbread cookies because they’re thick, soft and chewy and last that way for days. The flavor is incredibly rich, using tons of molasses and spices to bring in that cozy holiday feel.

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the butter, shortening, and dark brown sugar until light and creamy.
Mix in the vanilla and egg. Then add the molasses until smooth.
Mix in the spices, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
Mix in the flour until a thick dough forms.
Dump the dough onto floured plastic wrap, shape into a rectangle, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Cut the dough in half, roll one half to 1/4″ thick, and cut out cookies.
Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spaced apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until puffed with a cracked surface.
Rest on the pan for a minute, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Repeat with the remaining dough.
Make the icing by whisking all ingredients, adjusting with water for consistency.
Pipe icing designs onto cooled cookies and enjoy.