There's nothing quite like the comforting scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies filling your home. With their warm spices and soft yet slightly crisp texture, these cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy during the holiday season.
I first made these gingerbread cookies as part of a family tradition with my grandmother. Rolling out the dough and using cookie cutters to create festive shapes brought so much joy, and now, it's a tradition I carry on every year.
Let’s dive into why these gingerbread cookies will become a favorite for your family too.
Why You'll Love These Gingerbread Cookies
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate holiday treat. These gingerbread cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat.
First, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer soft and chewy cookies or a firmer texture perfect for decorating, this recipe adapts beautifully.
These cookies are also a joy to bake with kids. Rolling out the dough and cutting out fun shapes turns the kitchen into a playground of creativity.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also stunning. With their rich, golden-brown color and a hint of sparkle from sugar or royal icing, these cookies look like they came straight out of a bakery.
And let’s not forget the flavor! The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a deep, cozy taste that’s sure to transport you straight into holiday bliss.
Now that you’re craving gingerbread, let’s talk about the ingredients that make them so special.
Ingredient Notes

The beauty of gingerbread cookies lies in their aromatic, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
All-Purpose Flour is the foundation of these cookies. It provides structure and stability, making the dough easy to roll and shape. For best results, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
Molasses is the star of the show. It gives the cookies their characteristic dark color and adds a rich, slightly smoky sweetness. Use unsulfured molasses for the best flavor.
Spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves bring warmth and depth. These are what make gingerbread cookies taste so festive, so don’t skimp on them!
Butter adds richness and helps create a tender texture. Make sure your butter is softened before creaming it with sugar for a smooth, even dough.
Brown Sugar provides a hint of caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies moist. Dark brown sugar works beautifully for a deeper flavor, but light brown sugar is a fine alternative.
While no special equipment is required, having a good rolling pin and festive cookie cutters will make shaping the cookies much easier. Now that you know your ingredients, let’s move on to making these delightful treats.
How to Make These Gingerbread Cookies

Making gingerbread cookies is a fun and rewarding process. Let me guide you through each step to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
Start by creaming the butter and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth dough that’s easy to work with. Add in the molasses and an egg, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough may seem sticky at first, but it will firm up as it chills.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to roll out.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer them to the baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired texture. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles.
From start to finish, you’ll have warm, fragrant cookies ready in under two hours.
Storage Options
Gingerbread cookies are wonderfully durable, making them perfect for baking ahead of time. Here’s how to keep them fresh.
Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and ready for decorating whenever inspiration strikes.
If you’ve already decorated them, be sure to let the icing harden completely before stacking. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent smudging.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Now, let’s explore some fun ways to customize these gingerbread cookies.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of gingerbread cookies is part of their charm. Here are a few ideas to make them your own.
If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground black pepper or increase the amount of ginger in the recipe.
For a softer texture, use a bit less flour or bake for a minute or two less. Prefer crispy cookies? Roll the dough thinner and bake slightly longer.
Looking for a gluten-free option? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just be sure to chill the dough well, as gluten-free dough can be more delicate.
Decorate to your heart’s content! Use royal icing, melted chocolate, or even edible gold dust for an extra festive touch.
With these tips and ideas, you’re ready to make a batch of gingerbread cookies that are as unique as you are. Happy baking!
PrintGingerbread Cookies Recipe
This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe creates perfectly spiced, soft, and delicious cookies that are easy to make and perfect for the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating or serving.
Notes
- Refrigerate the dough for easier handling and better flavor.
- Decorate with royal icing or sprinkles for festive fun.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
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