Every holiday season has its signature scent—and for many of us, it’s gingerbread. These gingerbread cookies bring back memories of warm kitchens, rolling pins dusted with flour, and cookies cooling on the counter while winter lights glow outside. I still remember baking gingerbread shapes as a child, decorating them slowly while holiday music played in the background. James, our AI-powered virtual chef, describes gingerbread cookies as “the most nostalgic cookie of the season—spiced, cozy, and timeless.” This recipe keeps everything simple, approachable, and elegant, making it perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or cookie exchanges. If you love festive treats like Easy Stained Glass Cookies or cozy winter desserts paired with Tiramisu Hot Chocolate, these gingerbread cookies will feel right at home in your holiday lineup.
Why Everyone Loves Gingerbread Cookies
Classic gingerbread cookies are all about balance—warm spices, gentle sweetness, and a soft yet sturdy texture that holds its shape beautifully. They’re flavorful without being overwhelming and festive without being fussy.
Compared to richer desserts like the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, gingerbread cookies feel lighter and more playful. They’re ideal for decorating, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. That versatility is why gingerbread cookies remain one of the most loved holiday treats year after year.
Ingredients & How to Make the Dough
Ingredients (Detailed)
Gingerbread Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Egg
- Ground ginger
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Baking soda
- Salt
👉 For food safety when using eggs and dairy, refer to FSIS guidelines.
Technique Step (Inspired by Serious Eats)
For gingerbread cookies that roll cleanly and bake evenly, chilling the dough is essential. Cold dough prevents spreading and keeps cookie shapes crisp. James recommends chilling the dough for at least one hour—this same precision is what gives clean results in structured desserts like the Salted Brownie Cookies.
Baking and Decorating
Baking Instructions (Steps 1–10)
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough on a floured surface.
- Cut shapes using cookie cutters.
- Transfer cookies to prepared sheets.
- Chill again for 10 minutes if dough softens.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate once fully cooled.
Decorating Style
Decorate simply with icing or powdered sugar for a clean look, or go festive for cookie exchanges. Gingerbread cookies look especially beautiful alongside holiday desserts like the Red Velvet Wreath Cake on a dessert table.
Variations and Creative Twists
- Cookie Board Style: Pair with Magic of Candy Cane Cookies for color and crunch.
- Chocolate Accent: Serve with rich treats like the Salted Brownie Cookies.
- Dessert Spread: Balance cookies with a slice of Brown Sugar Salted Caramel Cake.
- No-Bake Pairing: Add something effortless from our No-Bake Desserts collection.
- Elegant Finish: Pair cookies with a dessert centerpiece like the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Gingerbread cookies are ideal for advance baking. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Like many holiday bakes, the flavor of gingerbread cookies actually improves after a day of rest.
FAQs
Can I make gingerbread cookies ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for make-ahead baking.
Do gingerbread cookies spread a lot?
No, chilling the dough prevents spreading.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely—wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Are gingerbread cookies hard or soft?
They can be either, depending on bake time.
Can kids help decorate them?
Yes, they’re perfect for family baking.
Conclusion
These gingerbread cookies capture everything we love about holiday baking—warm spices, cozy aromas, and moments shared around the kitchen table. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for decorating, gifting, or enjoying quietly with a warm drink. James, our AI-powered virtual chef, loves how gingerbread cookies bring tradition and creativity together in one timeless recipe. Whether you serve them alongside festive favorites like the Red Velvet Wreath Cake or pair them with a mug of Tiramisu Hot Chocolate, they always feel special. One batch is never enough—and that’s exactly the magic of gingerbread.
Print
Classic Gingerbread Cookies Everyone Loves
These gingerbread cookies are soft, spiced, and nostalgic—perfect for holiday baking, decorating, and gifting. A timeless favorite that brings warmth to any winter table.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Add molasses and egg; mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients into a dough.
5. Divide dough, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
7. Roll dough on floured surface and cut into shapes.
8. Transfer to baking sheets and chill again for 10 minutes.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set.
10. Cool, then decorate as desired.
Notes
Chilling the dough twice ensures cookies hold their shape.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Dough can be frozen up to 2 months—thaw in fridge overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
