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Festive Gingerbread Cookies, decorated with icing and sprinkles, are showcased as a featured image for a holiday baking article.
Lady Maria

Best Soft Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies are perfectly spiced, incredibly soft, and full of flavor. This recipe creates tender, chewy cookies that are perfect for decorating and will transport you to a winter wonderland. They are sure to be a holiday favorite!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for royal icing
  • Meringue powder for royal icing
  • Warm water for royal icing
  • Food coloring optional, for royal icing
  • Sprinkles and candies for decorating

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • whisk
  • Stand mixer or electric mixer
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • parchment paper
  • wire rack
  • Piping bags (for decorating)

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl (or in the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Beat in the molasses, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
  9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
  10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite icing, sprinkles, and candies.

Notes

For best results, chill the dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Flavor variations include adding lemon zest, increasing spices, adding cocoa powder, substituting maple syrup for some molasses, or adding orange zest and extract. Royal icing can be made by whisking together powdered sugar and meringue powder, then gradually adding warm water and beating until stiff and glossy.