There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of gingerbread cookies baking on a chilly winter afternoon. With the warm notes of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses filling your kitchen, these cookies bring a touch of holiday magic to any day. Whether you’re making them for a festive cookie swap, a family gathering, or a relaxing afternoon treat, gingerbread cookies are a timeless classic that everyone loves.
I first made these gingerbread cookies as part of a holiday tradition with my family, and they've become an absolute must every year since. The joy of rolling out the dough, cutting it into fun shapes, and decorating each cookie adds extra fun to the season.
Why You'll Love This Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday cookie! These gingerbread cookies are a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and holiday cheer.
First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment or fancy ingredients, making them ideal for bakers of all skill levels. In less than an hour, you can go from raw ingredients to a warm batch of cookies fresh out of the oven.
They’re also wonderfully versatile. This recipe lets you control the softness or crispness of the cookies by simply adjusting the baking time, so you can enjoy a chewy cookie or a crisp, snap-worthy one.
Plus, these cookies are fantastic for decorating. The dough holds its shape beautifully, so your gingerbread men, stars, and holiday shapes come out of the oven looking picture-perfect. Let your creativity run wild with icing, sprinkles, or even little candies.
Most importantly, they’re packed with warm, spicy flavors that are unmistakably festive. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses brings a depth and richness that’s both nostalgic and comforting.
Ingredients Notes

The charm of gingerbread cookies lies in the quality and combination of a few key ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes each one essential:
Molasses: This is the ingredient that gives gingerbread its characteristic rich, dark flavor and color. I recommend using unsulfured molasses for the best taste. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it can be too bitter for cookies.
Spices: The spice blend is key to that classic gingerbread taste. This recipe uses ground ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of cloves. If you like a bolder flavor, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
Butter: Room-temperature, unsalted butter gives these cookies a tender crumb. Letting it soften before mixing ensures a smoother, creamier dough and evenly distributed flavors.
Brown Sugar: Using light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar adds a caramel undertone that complements the molasses. It also helps keep the cookies soft and moist.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
For equipment, you’ll just need a rolling pin, cookie cutters, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. A cooling rack is helpful, too, to let the cookies set without getting soggy on the bottom.
How To Make Gingerbread Cookies

Creating these delightful gingerbread cookies is easy and fun, even for beginners. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive treats in no time.
Start by creaming the butter and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth base and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Next, add the molasses and a large egg, mixing until everything is well combined. The molasses may look a little sticky and thick, but don’t worry – it will blend nicely with the other ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt. This step ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable. Then, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to roll out.
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutters, then place the cookies on a lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes for softer cookies, or up to 12 minutes for a crispier texture. Keep an eye on them – they’re ready when the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. Cool the cookies on a wire rack before decorating.
Storage Options
Storing gingerbread cookies is as easy as baking them! Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious:
If you’re planning to eat them within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze undecorated cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, and you can thaw them at room temperature before decorating.
Once decorated, be sure to store cookies in single layers, separated by wax or parchment paper, to prevent smudging. If using royal icing, let the icing harden completely before stacking.
To reheat the cookies and bring back their aroma, warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes, or simply let them come to room temperature.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the joys of gingerbread cookies is how easy they are to customize! Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to chill the dough slightly longer, as gluten-free flours can affect texture.
For added warmth, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or even a dash of black pepper to the spice mix. These small tweaks can add complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
If you prefer extra-soft gingerbread, replace half of the butter with cream cheese. This gives the cookies a chewier texture with a slight tang that’s delicious with the spices.
Looking for a bolder molasses flavor? Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar, which has a higher molasses content and deepens the cookie’s richness.
Finally, feel free to get creative with the shapes and decorations! Beyond classic gingerbread men, try stars, trees, or snowflakes, and go all-out with icing, sprinkles, and candy decorations to make each cookie a festive work of art.
Gingerbread cookies are a wonderful way to add warmth to the holiday season, and this recipe gives you everything you need to make them just right. From rolling out the dough to decorating with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your kitchen.
PrintGingerbread Cookies Recipe
This Gingerbread Cookies recipe creates soft, chewy cookies full of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, enhanced by rich molasses. Perfect for holiday baking, these cookies are easy to decorate and make wonderful edible gifts. Ideal for family gatherings and a fun baking project, these gingerbread cookies bring warmth and tradition to your celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, then place cookies on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are firm. Let cool on a wire rack before decorating.
Notes
- For crispier cookies, roll the dough thinner and bake a minute longer.
- Decorate with royal icing or colored sugar for festive designs.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
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