There’s something so cozy about the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies filling the kitchen. With warm spices and a touch of molasses, these cookies bring out the best flavors of the holiday season. They’re perfect for decorating with the family, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying with a hot mug of cocoa by the fire.

After years of perfecting this recipe, I’ve landed on a version that’s soft yet sturdy, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Get ready to make gingerbread cookies a staple in your holiday baking! This recipe is easy to follow and creates cookies that are perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.

First, these gingerbread cookies are a wonderful blend of spicy and sweet, bringing together classic flavors like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Each bite is rich and fragrant, capturing the essence of winter comfort.

Second, these cookies have the perfect texture for decorating. They hold their shape in the oven, so you can use all your favorite cookie cutters and still end up with beautiful, defined edges on each cookie.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s super family-friendly. Making gingerbread cookies is a fun activity that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Set up a decorating station with sprinkles, icing, and candy, and let everyone get creative.

Finally, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to make a big batch of these cookies. Whether you're baking for a party or preparing holiday gifts, this recipe yields plenty, so you won’t run out any time soon.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these gingerbread cookies lies in their balance of flavors and textures. Let’s look at a few key ingredients and how they contribute to the final cookie.

Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, giving the cookies just the right structure. Be sure to measure it accurately so the dough doesn’t turn out too stiff.
Molasses: This is what gives gingerbread cookies their distinctive dark color and deep flavor. Unsulphured molasses is best for baking since it has a milder taste. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it can be too bitter for cookies.
Ginger and Cinnamon: Ground ginger and cinnamon are the stars here, providing that warm, cozy flavor we all love. You could add a pinch of allspice or nutmeg if you want to experiment with even more spice.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, which complements the spices beautifully. I recommend using light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar works if you want a slightly richer taste.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for this recipe, as it gives you more control over the salt content. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.

How To Make These Gingerbread Cookies

Making these gingerbread cookies is a breeze, and I'll walk you through each step to ensure the perfect outcome.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: Start by whisking together your flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This helps evenly distribute the spices, ensuring a consistent flavor in each bite.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about 2-3 minutes and helps create a tender cookie. Then, add the molasses and egg, beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix – you want a soft, pliable dough that's easy to roll.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two halves, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential for two reasons: it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut, and it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Roll and Cut the Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes, then transfer the cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. They should look set but not too dark around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

These gingerbread cookies store well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of the holidays.

Room Temperature: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
Refrigerator: Decorated cookies can be stored in the fridge for about 2 weeks. The icing will harden and help keep the cookies fresh, though you may want to separate layers with parchment paper.
Freezer: Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze well. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let the cookies thaw at room temperature before serving.

When it’s time to enjoy, you can refresh the cookies in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes to bring back their soft, just-baked texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about gingerbread cookies is how versatile they can be! Here are a few ways to customize your batch.

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that it includes xanthan gum, which helps the dough hold together.
Extra Spicy: If you’re a fan of bold spices, add a pinch of black pepper or nutmeg to give the cookies a little extra warmth.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.
Royal Icing for Decorating: While these cookies are delicious plain, they’re even more festive with a little decoration. A simple royal icing made from powdered sugar, egg whites, and a touch of lemon juice is perfect for piping onto the cookies.
Chocolate-Dipped Gingerbread: For an extra indulgent twist, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and let it set. The slight bitterness of the chocolate complements the sweet, spiced cookie beautifully.

So there you have it – a gingerbread cookie recipe that’s perfect for making memories in the kitchen this holiday season. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or just savoring a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy. Enjoy the process and happy baking!