Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving that perfect cozy treat for the holidays or any chilly day, you’ve got to try this Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe. They’re wonderfully tender, bursting with warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness. I absolutely love how these cookies stay soft even days after baking, making them perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Stick around—I’m going to share all my tips to help you nail these soft, flavorful gingerbread delights every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe come together to create that ideal balance of softness and spice. I always recommend using real molasses because it adds that deep, authentic flavor you just can’t fake.

• Butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar for a fluffy dough.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel note, perfect for soft cookies.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds tenderness.
• Milk: Just a splash to keep the dough nice and soft, you can swap for a plant-based milk if needed.
• Molasses: The star of this recipe—dark, robust, and full of that classic gingerbread flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that keeps the cookies sturdy but tender when combined properly.
• Baking Soda: Gives a gentle lift to keep cookies soft rather than flat and hard.
• Cinnamon: One tablespoon is ideal for a warm, cozy flavor without overpowering.
• Ginger: Just the right kick to bring in the holiday spirit.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and boosts the spices.
• Christmas Sprinkles: Totally optional but adds a fun, festive crunch and color—my kids love helping roll the dough in these!

Variations

I love making this Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe my own sometimes by adding a little twist, and you should too! It’s so fun to experiment with spices or swap mix-ins depending on your mood or the occasion.

• Spice it up: Occasionally I add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to deepen the warmth, which my guests always comment on.
• Gluten-free version: I’ve replaced the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and achieved a very similar, soft texture.
• Decorating: Instead of sprinkles, sometimes I frost them with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a shiny finish that kids adore.
• Adding zest: If you like a hint of citrus, a teaspoon of orange zest pairs beautifully with the molasses and spices.

How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming the room temperature butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl for about 2 minutes. I use a hand mixer, and you’ll notice the mixture lighten and get fluffy—that’s the secret to keeping the cookies nice and tender. Then, beat in the egg and milk until everything is combined, followed by the molasses, so the flavor really infuses the dough.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. I like to whisk these well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening, which helps the cookies bake perfectly soft and flavorful.

Step 3: Mix Dry into Wet

Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture and beat until you don’t see any dry spots. The dough should feel thick but soft. If it feels too sticky, a quick chill in the fridge will make it easier to handle.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least one hour—or even overnight. I discovered this trick after some early batches spread too thin, and chilling helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking, plus it lets the flavors deepen.

Step 5: Shape and Dress Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop your dough with a small cookie scoop and roll each ball in Christmas sprinkles for that festive touch. Place them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread just right.

Step 6: Bake Until Soft and Golden

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll want to watch carefully—the edges should be lightly browned but the centers still soft. This balance ensures they stay tender once cooled. Let them rest on the tray for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, as they firm up slightly while cooling.

How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple, topping some cookies with vanilla icing and a few extra sprinkles for that festive sparkle. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness—that contrast has become a favorite unexpected twist.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or a frothy latte. For holiday gatherings, I like serving them alongside a spiced cider or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange these soft gingerbread cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper and tied with a ribbon—it looks like a thoughtful gift and instantly cheers up the room. Another favorite is stacking them with layers of wax paper and presenting as cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftover soft gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps keep them from drying out. Usually, they stay soft and delicious for about 2-3 days, but if you’re anything like me, they disappear faster!

Freezing

Freezing these cookies is a fantastic option if you want to bake ahead. I pop the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature, and they come back soft and flavorful as if fresh baked.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy a warm treat, I gently reheat soft gingerbread cookies in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 5 minutes. This revives that fresh-from-the-oven softness without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my holiday baking – they’re easy, forgiving, and deliver that perfect soft bite every time. I love sharing them with friends and watching how quickly they disappear, which tells me the recipe really hits the spot. I hope you’ll enjoy baking and eating these as much as I do—trust me, once you make them, soft gingerbread cookies will be your new go-to treat all season long!

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