Gingerbread Cookies (Soft, Spiced & Perfect for the Holidays)

There’s nothing quite like the smell of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven to instantly make your kitchen feel warm and festive. With their cozy spices, rich molasses flavor, and soft, chewy centers, gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic that never goes out of style. But if you’ve ever ended up with cookies that are too hard, too dry, or lacking flavor, you’re not alone.

This easy gingerbread cookies recipe is designed to give you perfectly soft cookies every single time — no complicated steps, no chilling overnight, and no guesswork. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, planning a cookie exchange, or simply craving a nostalgic treat, this recipe is beginner-friendly and reliable.

These cookies hold their shape beautifully for cut-outs, yet stay tender on the inside, making them perfect for decorating or enjoying plain with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. If you’re looking for a classic holiday cookie that tastes just as good as it looks, these gingerbread cookies deserve a spot on your baking list.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Soft and chewy every time – no dry or crunchy cookies
• Perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and warm holiday flavors
• Easy, beginner-friendly recipe with simple pantry ingredients
• Holds its shape for cut-out cookies and decorating
• Perfect for Christmas baking, cookie exchanges, and gifting
• Make-ahead friendly – great for busy holiday schedules

Ingredients You’ll Need

These gingerbread cookies use simple pantry staples, but accurate measurements are key for soft, perfectly spiced cookies.

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120 ml) molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

How to Make (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to make soft, perfectly spiced gingerbread cookies every time.

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg (if using), baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
This step is key for creating soft gingerbread cookies.

Step 3: Add Molasses, Egg & Vanilla

Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and rich in color.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.

Step 6: Roll, Cut & Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Roll dough to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness
• Cut into shapes and place on lined baking sheets
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft

Step 7: Cool & Decorate

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Decorate with icing once completely cool.

Tips for Soft Gingerbread Cookies Every Time

If you want soft gingerbread cookies instead of hard or dry ones, these simple tips make all the difference.

• Don’t overbake
  Gingerbread cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven. They continue to set as they cool.
• Measure flour correctly
  Too much flour is the #1 reason gingerbread cookies turn out dry. Always use the spoon-and-level method.
• Chill the dough
  Chilling prevents spreading and helps the cookies keep their shape while staying tender.
• Use brown sugar and molasses
  These ingredients add moisture and give gingerbread cookies their signature soft texture.
• Store properly after baking
  Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness for days.

Decorating

Decorating cookies is one of the most fun parts of holiday baking, and you don’t need advanced skills to make them look beautiful.

Simple Decorating Ideas

• Royal icing – best for detailed designs and outlines
• Simple glaze icing – quick, glossy, and beginner-friendly
• Sprinkles & sanding sugar – perfect for kids and quick decorating
• White chocolate drizzle – an easy, elegant finish

Helpful Decorating Tips

• Let cookies cool completely before icing
• Use piping bags or zip-top bags with a small corner cut
• Keep designs simple for a clean Pinterest-friendly look

Decorated gingerbread cookies are perfect for cookie boxes, gifting, and festive dessert tables.

Storage & Freezing

Proper storage keeps your gingerbread cookies soft and fresh for days.

How to Store Gingerbread Cookies

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container
• Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking

How to Freeze Gingerbread Cookies

• Baked cookies: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months
• Cookie dough: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
• Thaw dough overnight in the refrigerator before baking

These make-ahead options are perfect for stress-free holiday baking.

FAQs

More Recipes To Try

• Gingerbread House

Recipe

Yield: 24 cookies

Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Print

These soft gingerbread cookies are warmly spiced, perfectly chewy, and ideal for holiday baking. Easy to make, beginner-friendly, and perfect for decorating or gifting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Bake Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120 ml) molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll dough to ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness and cut into shapes.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Notes

• Do not overbake for soft gingerbread cookies
  
• Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method
  
• Use unsulphured molasses for best flavor
  

Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
• Freeze baked cookies or dough for up to 2 months

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 140Total Fat: 6gCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gProtein: 2g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used and portion size.

These gingerbread cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be — soft in the center, perfectly spiced, and easy enough for anyone to make. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and reliable results, this recipe is ideal whether you’re baking for Christmas, preparing cookie boxes, or just craving a cozy homemade treat.

By following the tips in this recipe, you’ll avoid dry or hard cookies and enjoy gingerbread cookies that stay tender and flavorful for days. They’re perfect for decorating, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa during the holidays.

If you’re looking for a classic, foolproof gingerbread cookies recipe that works every time, this one deserves a spot in your seasonal baking rotation.