Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Nothing beats the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies during the holiday season. These soft, chewy cookies are perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, giving them a comforting, rich flavor. Whether you decorate them with royal icing or enjoy them plain, these gingerbread cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Icing (Optional):

• 1 egg white (or 1 tablespoon meringue powder)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Water as needed to adjust consistency

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until smooth and well-combined.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, but it should hold its shape. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time).

4. Chill the Dough

1. Once the dough is ready, divide it in half, flatten each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap.
2. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This step helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

5. Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick.
3. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes—traditional gingerbread men, stars, or simple circles work well.

6. Bake the Cookies

1. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
2. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are just slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
3. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Decorate (Optional)

1. To make the icing, beat the egg white or meringue powder with powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a little water until stiff peaks form.
2. Decorate your gingerbread cookies with icing, sprinkles, or candies if desired. Let the icing set before storing the cookies.

8. Serve and Enjoy

• Enjoy your soft, flavorful gingerbread cookies with a hot cup of cocoa or tea, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons.

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Tips for Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is a crucial step for the soft texture and easy rolling. Don’t skip this!
2. Watch the Baking Time: Overbaking will make the cookies crispy. Bake just until the edges are firm, and they’ll be soft in the center.
3. Use Fresh Spices: The fresher your spices, the better your cookies will taste. Use freshly ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves if possible.
4. Store Properly: Keep your gingerbread cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

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Variations

1. Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies: Sandwich a layer of buttercream or cream cheese frosting between two gingerbread cookies for a delicious twist.
2. Decorative Icing: Use colorful icing to create detailed designs or festive patterns on your cookies for a holiday treat.
3. Gingerbread with White Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate for a rich and sweet contrast.
4. Add Chopped Candied Ginger: For an extra burst of flavor, add finely chopped candied ginger to the dough.

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Why You’ll Love These Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies

• Soft and Chewy: These cookies have the perfect texture—soft, chewy, and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy instructions, these gingerbread cookies are accessible to both beginners and experienced bakers.
• Perfect for the Holidays: The classic gingerbread flavor and festive shapes make them an ideal treat for Christmas or any winter celebration.

These Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite in your household. They’re easy to make, delightfully soft, and perfectly spiced, making them a treat that everyone will love!