Name: Best Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup white sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; ¼ cup molasses; 4 tablespoons white sugar, for rolling

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These Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a classic holiday treat that’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, sharing with friends and family, or decorating with festive icing. With a perfectly spiced dough and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are easy to make and sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that’s perfect for gingerbread lovers.
Perfectly Spiced: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm and comforting flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are a breeze to bake.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake a batch of these delicious cookies:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves: Adds a warm and comforting spice blend.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Butter: Softened, adds richness and flavor.
White sugar: Adds sweetness.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
Water: Adds moisture to the dough.
Molasses: Adds a rich and slightly bitter sweetness, characteristic of gingerbread.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Combine Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Shape and Coat

Shape the dough into walnut-sized balls. Roll the dough balls in the remaining 4 tablespoons of sugar to coat.

Step 6: Bake

Place the cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. You don’t need to flatten them, as they will spread during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs will cream together more easily, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie.
Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the dough (optional): If the dough is too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.

How to Serve Best Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Simple Snack: These Soft Gingerbread Cookies are delicious on their own as a simple and satisfying snack.
With Beverages: Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee or tea.
Dessert: Serve them as a simple yet satisfying dessert after a meal.
Decorated: Decorate them with royal icing or frosting for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use molasses instead of brown sugar?

This recipe uses both white sugar and molasses for the best flavor and texture.

Can I add other ingredients to these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, crystallized ginger, or other mix-ins to the dough.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan butter and egg substitutes, and a plant-based milk for the dough.

How can I make these cookies crispier?

Bake them for a few minutes longer, or use a higher oven temperature.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for the Best Soft Gingerbread Cookies that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Enjoy!