Classic Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for the Holidays

There’s nothing quite like baking a batch of gingerbread cookies on a chilly day. The moment you open that jar of molasses and catch the earthy sweetness, you know something special is about to happen. I made these cookies just last weekend and the whole house smelled like cinnamon and cloves. It was the kind of aroma that makes neighbors stop by and ask what’s in the oven. These cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp around the edges, and full of that classic holiday spice.

What I love most about this recipe is how it feels like a tradition you can pass down. Rolling out the dough, cutting fun shapes, and decorating with icing makes baking an experience, not just a chore. If you’re a cookie lover like me, you should also try Coffee Cheesecake Cookies when you’re in the mood for something different but equally cozy.

Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies aren’t just about taste they bring people together. The mix of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives them a warmth that makes every bite comforting. Their texture is just right chewy enough to be satisfying, but firm enough to hold their shape.

They’re also perfect for decorating. Whether you’re piping precise icing lines or letting kids go wild with sprinkles, each cookie becomes its own little piece of art. If you love creative baking, you’ll also enjoy Earl Grey Sugar Cookies, which offer a delicate and fragrant twist on the classic sugar cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt

For the Royal Icing

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoon meringue powder
• 5 tablespoon warm water
• Food coloring (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mix

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. You will notice the colors and aromas come alive as you mix this blend of spices is what makes gingerbread so special.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush it the creamed mixture creates the foundation for a tender cookie.

Step 3: Add Molasses and Egg

Pour in the molasses and crack in the egg. Mix until fully incorporated. The dough will darken and take on a glossy look. Molasses is key for both flavor and color, so make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring on low speed. The dough should come together into a smooth but slightly firm texture. If it feels sticky, dust in a tablespoon of flour at a time until it feels manageable.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Chilling ensures your cookies keep their shape when baked and also deepens the flavor.

Step 6: Roll It Out

Lightly flour your counter and rolling pin. Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes, gingerbread people, trees, or stars all work beautifully. Don’t be afraid to reroll scraps; the dough holds up well.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and place cut-out cookies at least an inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes. For softer cookies, pull them out earlier; for crisper ones leave them in closer to 10 minutes.

Step 8: Cool Before Decorating

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling completely is essential because warm cookies will melt your icing.

Step 9: Make the Icing

Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water in a bowl. Beat until smooth and slightly thickened. Divide and tint with food coloring if you’d like more festive designs.

Step 10: Decorate with Joy

Transfer icing into piping bags and decorate however you like. Outline gingerbread people, add faces, buttons, or even sweaters. This part is especially fun with kids, as each cookie becomes a little masterpiece. For best results, let the icing dry before stacking.

Pro tip: If you want to plan ahead, bake the cookies one day and decorate the next. The flavor deepens overnight, and it spreads out the work.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tablespoon cocoa powder for a deeper flavor.
• Extra Spicy: Increase the ginger for a more intense kick.
• Glazed Cookies: Swap royal icing for a thin sugar glaze.
• Soft-Bake Style: Roll dough thicker and bake for 7-8 minutes for a cake like texture.
• Festive Add-Ins: Mix in crushed peppermint candies for a holiday sparkle.

Serving Suggestions

Gingerbread cookies taste wonderful on their own, but they shine even brighter when served with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a spiced latte. They’re also perfect for holiday dessert platters. A plate of these alongside sugar cookies and Pumpkin Cookies makes a spread no one can resist.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before decorating or eating.
• Dough Storage: Keep dough discs wrapped in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Q2: How do I keep cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight tin with a slice of bread. The bread keeps the cookies from drying out.

Q3: Can I decorate with store-bought icing?
Of course! Homemade icing gives you control, but store-bought works if you’re short on time.

Q4: Can I use honey instead of molasses?
Honey can be substituted, but you’ll lose some of the deep, earthy flavor that makes gingerbread unique.

Q5: Do these pair well with other cookies?
Yes! Try them on a tray with Earl Grey Sugar Cookies for variety and balance.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread cookies aren’t just about baking; they’re about creating moments. From rolling the dough to decorating with loved ones, each step carries warmth and joy. Their cozy spices, playful shapes, and festive spirit make them the highlight of any holiday spread. Bake a batch and share them with friends and let the magic of gingerbread fill your home.