Name: Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484061H55M37S
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Helps give the cookies their soft, chewy texture.; 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and adds a nice crisp edge when rolled in additional sugar.; 1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the dough and adds richness.; ¼ cup unsulphured molasses: This gives the cookies their deep, rich flavor and soft texture.; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.; 2 tsp baking soda: This helps the cookies rise, giving them a light texture.; ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.; 1 tsp cinnamon: For a mild spiced flavor, use this amount, or increase to 2 tsp for a bolder taste.; ½ tsp dried ground ginger: Add more if you prefer a stronger ginger kick, up to 1-2 tsp.; Optional: granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a delicate crunch to the outside of the cookies.

When the holiday season rolls around, nothing says “cozy” like the warm, spiced aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven. These soft gingerbread cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the classic flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses. With a perfectly chewy texture, these cookies are easy to make and bring the taste of the holidays right into your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a party, making gifts, or just treating yourself, these soft gingerbread cookies will be a hit.

Why These Soft Gingerbread Cookies Are the Best

What sets these cookies apart is their soft, pillowy texture. Unlike crunchy gingerbread men, these cookies melt in your mouth while still delivering that signature spiced flavor. The combination of molasses and a perfect balance of cinnamon and ginger creates a warm and inviting taste that everyone loves. Plus, the recipe is simple enough for even novice bakers to master.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these soft gingerbread cookies. The ingredients are straightforward, but their quality makes all the difference.

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Helps give the cookies their soft, chewy texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and adds a nice crisp edge when rolled in additional sugar.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the dough and adds richness.
¼ cup unsulphured molasses: This gives the cookies their deep, rich flavor and soft texture.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
2 tsp baking soda: This helps the cookies rise, giving them a light texture.
½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 tsp cinnamon: For a mild spiced flavor, use this amount, or increase to 2 tsp for a bolder taste.
½ tsp dried ground ginger: Add more if you prefer a stronger ginger kick, up to 1-2 tsp.
Optional: granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a delicate crunch to the outside of the cookies.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make these cookies, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few kitchen essentials:

Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
Electric mixer: Speeds up the process of creaming the butter and sugar.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for baking.
Baking sheet: For baking the cookies.
Parchment paper: Makes cleanup easier and prevents cookies from sticking.
Wire rack: To cool the cookies evenly after baking.

How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create perfect soft gingerbread cookies every time.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, blend for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the soft, tender texture of the cookies.
Add the egg and molasses to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. The molasses will give the dough a rich, deep brown color.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending with the mixer on low speed until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Form the dough into balls that are slightly smaller than a golf ball (about 1 inch in diameter). If you like a little extra crunch, roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. Be sure to space them 2-3 inches apart, as they will spread while baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers may still look soft. This is the key to keeping them chewy!
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your gingerbread cookies come out perfect, avoid these common pitfalls:

Overmixing the dough: Mixing the dough too much after adding the dry ingredients can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined.
Overbaking: The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Old spices: Make sure your cinnamon and ginger are fresh. Old spices lose their potency, leading to bland cookies.

Tips for Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like your gingerbread with a kick, feel free to increase the amount of ground ginger or add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Using Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh butter and eggs for the best texture and flavor.
Checking for Doneness: Look for edges that are just set and centers that still appear soft. This ensures a chewy cookie.

Cookie Variations and Swaps

While this recipe is already fantastic, here are a few ways to make it your own:

Vegan Variation: Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking soda and spices are gluten-free as well.
Add-ins: For a fun twist, mix in chocolate chips or finely chopped crystallized ginger.

How to Store Soft Gingerbread Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh and soft for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain their softness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

Serving Suggestions

Soft gingerbread cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to make them extra special:

With a hot drink: Serve these cookies alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
As a gift: These cookies make great holiday gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or box, lined with parchment paper, and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 48 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough come to room temperature before forming into balls.

How long will the cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay soft and fresh for about a week.

Conclusion

These soft gingerbread cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. Their perfectly spiced flavor and soft, chewy texture make them irresistible. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes like this one!