Name: Soft And Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: Flour (2 1/4 cups): All-purpose flour gives structure to the cookies, helping them hold their shape without becoming too dense.; Ground Ginger (1 1/2 teaspoons): This is the star spice in gingerbread cookies, providing a zesty warmth.; Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Baking soda helps the cookies spread out and become light and airy while still maintaining a chewy texture.; Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet and spicy note that complements the ginger.; Ground Cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Cloves bring a deep, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness.; Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors of the spices and sugar.; Butter or Margarine (6 tablespoons, softened): Provides richness and helps create that soft, chewy texture.; Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and contributes to the chewy texture.; Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.; Orange Juice (1 tablespoon): A surprising ingredient that adds a subtle brightness and enhances the overall flavor.; Molasses (1/4 cup): Molasses gives the cookies their classic gingerbread flavor and deep brown color.; Extra Sugar for Rolling (1/2 cup): Coating the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a crisp, sweet exterior.

If you’re looking for the perfect gingerbread cookie recipe that delivers soft, chewy, and richly spiced treats, you’ve come to the right place. These Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are a must-try for holiday baking or anytime you crave something cozy. With a delightful combination of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, along with the sweetness of molasses, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gingerbread cookie recipe is not just for the holidays—it’s for anyone who loves a warm, spiced cookie with a soft texture. Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting friends, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and can be whipped up with simple ingredients. The combination of chewy centers, crispy edges, and aromatic spices makes them irresistible.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

To make sure your gingerbread cookies turn out just right, it’s important to use the proper ingredients. Let’s break down each one and why it’s essential to this recipe:

Flour (2 1/4 cups): All-purpose flour gives structure to the cookies, helping them hold their shape without becoming too dense.
Ground Ginger (1 1/2 teaspoons): This is the star spice in gingerbread cookies, providing a zesty warmth.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Baking soda helps the cookies spread out and become light and airy while still maintaining a chewy texture.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet and spicy note that complements the ginger.
Ground Cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Cloves bring a deep, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors of the spices and sugar.
Butter or Margarine (6 tablespoons, softened): Provides richness and helps create that soft, chewy texture.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and contributes to the chewy texture.
Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Orange Juice (1 tablespoon): A surprising ingredient that adds a subtle brightness and enhances the overall flavor.
Molasses (1/4 cup): Molasses gives the cookies their classic gingerbread flavor and deep brown color.
Extra Sugar for Rolling (1/2 cup): Coating the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a crisp, sweet exterior.

Soft And Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Step-by-Step Preparation for Perfect Results

Here’s how to make these soft and chewy gingerbread cookies step-by-step:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is at the right temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together to distribute the spices evenly and set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 6 tablespoons of softened butter or margarine and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air, which will contribute to a soft texture.
Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the egg, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, and 1/4 cup of molasses. Mix well to combine all the wet ingredients until smooth.
Incorporate the dry mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms. Be sure not to overmix as this can make the cookies tougher.
Roll the dough balls: Use a teaspoon to scoop out dough, then roll each piece into a ball. Roll the dough balls in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat them completely.
Arrange and bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will spread slightly and develop cracks on the surface.
Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they stay soft and don’t crumble when moved.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls (small and large)
Measuring cups and spoons
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Baking sheet
Cooling rack
Teaspoon or cookie scoop
Whisk or spoon for mixing

Baking Tips for Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Achieving the perfect texture for gingerbread cookies is all about balance. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Don’t overbake: For soft and chewy cookies, it’s important to take them out of the oven as soon as the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. The cookies will continue to bake as they cool on the baking sheet.
Avoid overmixing the dough: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Even dough size: Roll your dough into evenly-sized balls to ensure all the cookies bake at the same rate.
Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and help the cookies maintain their shape.

Cookie Presentation Ideas

Whether you’re gifting or serving these cookies at a holiday party, presentation matters. Here are a few ideas to make your soft and chewy gingerbread cookies look even more appealing:

Gift Wrapping: Place a stack of cookies in a clear bag and tie it with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a holiday-themed platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine for a seasonal touch.
Icing Decoration: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of water or milk to add an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Store Gingerbread Cookies for Lasting Freshness

To keep your gingerbread cookies soft and chewy for days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Recipe Variations and Add-ins

Feel free to customize your gingerbread cookies with these fun variations:

Add white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the spicy ginger.
Drizzle with icing for a more festive look.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Make them gluten-free by substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute the molasses?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but keep in mind that it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it’s possible that the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled. Try refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then store the frozen dough in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 1-2 minutes longer than the original recipe calls for.

Conclusion

These Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are perfect for satisfying your craving for warm, spiced treats. They are easy to make, store well, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try and share the joy with friends and family. Don’t forget to let us know how they turned out by leaving a comment below! If you enjoyed this recipe, subscribe to our blog for more delicious baking ideas and inspiration.