Easy Homemade Gingerbread Cookies

I’m sharing my gingerbread cookies recipe, a true holiday treat that fills my kitchen with warm spices and sweet memories. There’s something magical about gingerbread cookies, just a hint of molasses, a dash of cinnamon, and that unmistakable snap when you take a bite.

For me, these cookies are more than just festive baking; they’re a piece of Christmas tradition passed down from my grandmother. Every December, I can’t help but feel that cozy nostalgia as I roll out the dough, cut out shapes, and wait for that fragrant aroma to fill the house.

These old-fashioned sweets are not just winter confections, they’re little bites of holiday happiness, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat—they’re warm, spiced just right, and have that perfect balance of softness and crunch. The rich molasses flavor combines beautifully with ginger and cinnamon, making each bite a cozy taste of winter.

What I love most is how easy they are to whip up! This recipe is simple enough to involve the kids, and nothing beats the fun of cutting out those festive shapes together. It’s like making memories in dough form.

And, of course, gingerbread cookies are wonderfully versatile. You can decorate them with icing for a festive twist, or keep them plain for a more old-fashioned charm.

Loved these easy gingerbread cookies? You won’t want to miss our scrumptious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and classic Chocolate Chip Cookies they’re family favorites around here!

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these cozy gingerbread cookies to life! I love how simple the ingredient list is, yet each item adds so much flavor and warmth.

• Flour – All-purpose flour works best here, but you can try whole wheat flour for a more rustic, hearty texture.
• Brown Sugar – For that deep, molasses-like sweetness. Dark brown sugar gives an even richer taste, but light brown sugar works just fine too.
• Molasses – Essential for the signature taste of molasses cookies. I like using unsulphured molasses for a smoother, sweeter flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it can taste too bitter here.
• Spices – A classic mix of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg if you want a bit more warmth in these spiced biscuits.
• Butter – I use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you only have salted butter, just omit the extra salt in the recipe.
• Egg – One large egg to bring the dough together and add richness.
• Baking Soda – This helps the cookies rise and adds that light texture. Fresh baking soda is key for getting that perfect lift.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

If you need to make these cookies vegan, you can swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg.

It’s an easy swap that still keeps these winter confections tasting delicious!

How to Make These Gingerbread Cookies

Ready to fill your home with the warm, comforting scent of gingerbread cookies? Just follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of holiday treats that taste as good as they look!

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This spice mix is what makes these cookies shine, so make sure everything is blended well.

Step 2: In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. The dough will be thick but should hold its shape. If it’s a bit sticky, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 5: Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes—gingerbread men, stars, or whatever says “holiday” to you! Place the cookies on the baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 6: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly firm but the centers are still soft. Remember, these Christmas desserts will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.

Step 7: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with icing if you like, or enjoy them plain as classic old-fashioned sweets.

Loved this recipe so far? Find the full printable version just below to make your holiday baking even easier!

Tips for Making the Best Gingerbread Cookies

For irresistibly soft and chewy gingerbread cookies, chill the dough before rolling about 20-30 minutes should do it. This makes the dough easier to work with and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.

Roll the dough evenly, aiming for 1/4-inch thickness to keep the cookies soft while giving them that perfect snap. If you like extra-spicy holiday treats, add a pinch more ginger or cinnamon.

And don’t forget: underbake slightly if you prefer a softer texture. These little winter confections will firm up as they cool, leaving you with perfectly spiced biscuits!

Print

Should Gingerbread Cookies Be Hard or Soft?

It’s really up to your preference! Traditional gingerbread cookies can range from soft and chewy to crisp and snappy.

If you love a softer texture, slightly underbake them and store in an airtight container to keep them moist.

For a classic snap, bake them a bit longer until the edges are firm. Either way, they’re delicious!

What Flavor Pairs Well with Gingerbread?

Gingerbread’s warm spices pair beautifully with flavors like dark chocolate, citrus, and even a touch of espresso!

For a festive twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or drizzling with white chocolate.

These combinations bring out the richness of molasses cookies and make each bite feel extra special.

Serving Suggestions

These gingerbread cookies are perfect with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot cocoa, making for a cozy winter treat.

For a fun twist, serve them alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. I love to share them with family during our holiday movie nights, it’s become a little tradition of ours!