Name: Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (softened); 1 cup light brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 cup molasses (NOT blackstrap); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar OR white wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 5 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, this Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with classic spices like ginger and cinnamon, and enriched by the deep, sweet molasses, these cookies come out tender and chewy, perfect for sharing around the holidays or simply brightening an ordinary day. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe’s straightforward steps and delectable results make it a joyful kitchen adventure you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A set of four images shows the mixing process of a dough in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The first image has two blocks of butter, pale yellow and soft, next to a solid light brown round of packed brown sugar. The second image shows the ingredients partly mixed into a light brown fluffy and creamy mixture covering the bowl’s bottom. The third image adds a raw egg and dark brown liquid, possibly molasses or syrup, sitting on top of the creamy mixture which stays around the edges. The last image shows a smooth, evenly mixed brown batter with visible swirls from mixing, filling most of the bowl’s bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that combine to create the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and that beautiful soft texture everyone loves. Each ingredient plays its part, from the richness of butter to the warmth of spices, ensuring your cookies turn out irresistibly good.

Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and tenderness for that soft bite.
Light brown sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses depth to enhance flavor.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for chewiness.
Molasses (1 cup, NOT blackstrap): Delivers signature gingerbread flavor and deep color.
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Reacts with baking soda to give the cookies lift and a slight tang.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the overall sweetness and spices within the cookie.
All-purpose flour (5 cups): Forms the structure for tender but sturdy cookies.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Leavens the dough for a soft, light texture.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
Ground ginger (1 tbsp): The star spice delivering warmth and zing.
Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Adds comforting sweetness and aroma.
Ground allspice (½ tsp): Provides subtle depth and earthiness.
Ground cloves (½ tsp): Gives a hint of bold spice that truly rounds out the blend.
Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): Introduces a gentle nutty warmth to the spice mix.

How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by placing the softened butter and light brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined; this sets the foundation for tender cookies. Just a quick tip: avoid overmixing here to keep the dough light.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, incorporate the egg, molasses, vinegar, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar blend. Beat on medium-low speed until everything is fully combined, creating a luxuriously dark and fragrant batter that promises rich flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Spices

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Mixing these thoroughly ensures an even spice distribution throughout each cookie.

Step 4: Combine to Form Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just incorporated into a soft, pliable dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable for rolling later, which helps keep your cookies tender.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours or up to overnight. Chilling not only solidifies the dough to make rolling easier but also develops the flavors beautifully. If chilled overnight, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

When yours is ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Divide the dough into two portions and roll each on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the dough, then place the cutouts on lined baking sheets, spacing them at least an inch apart for even baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies based on their size: 6-8 minutes for small cookies, 8-10 minutes for medium, and 12-14 minutes for larger gingerbread figures. They should spring back lightly when touched but avoid overbaking to maintain their signature softness. After baking, cool the cookies on the sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before decorating.

How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Add a festive touch with simple garnishes such as a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white icing, or colorful sprinkles. These accents not only make your Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe visually stunning but also add a hint of sweetness and crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft texture.

Side Dishes

Serve your gingerbread cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or even a glass of cold milk. These pairings enhance the spicy sweetness and make every bite even more comforting. For grown-up gatherings, try a cozy mulled wine or spiced cider on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate — arrange your gingerbread cookies on a rustic wooden board with seasonal accents like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or fresh cranberries for an inviting display. You can also stack them with parchment paper in between for charming cookie stacks or gift them wrapped in cellophane tied with twine for edible gifts that brighten anyone’s day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 5 days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week or saving for unexpected guests.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save extras, these cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When packed properly, they keep their softness and flavor for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen cookies fresh out of the freezer, let them thaw for 15 minutes at room temperature, or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brief reheating revives the soft texture and enhances the spices’ aroma, making them taste just-baked.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?

Blackstrap molasses has a much stronger, more bitter flavor that can overpower the cookies. For this Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe, using regular molasses is best to keep that classic, balanced sweetness and warmth.

Why does the recipe call for vinegar?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create lift, giving the cookies a softer and lighter texture without flattening. It also helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Can I make the dough without chilling it?

Chilling is crucial for flavor development and makes the dough easier to handle when rolling and cutting shapes. Skipping this step might lead to cookies spreading too much and losing their soft texture.

How do I keep my gingerbread cookies soft for longer?

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel inside to help maintain moisture. This simple trick keeps the cookies soft and chewy over several days.

Is it okay to decorate the cookies the same day?

It’s best to let the cookies cool completely before decorating. Decorating right away can cause icing or toppings to melt or slide off, so patience really pays off for the prettiest results.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a little celebration of warmth, spice, and homemade happiness that you can share with everyone around you. I promise once you try these soft, flavorful cookies, they’ll become a treasured staple in your kitchen, bringing smile after smile for every season. So roll up your sleeves, get those spices ready, and treat yourself to the magic of baking these unforgettable gingerbread delights!