Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Delightfully spiced gingerbread cookies with a soft yet sturdy texture, ideal for decorating during the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies bring together festive flavours and a perfect structure for decorating. They’re fun to make, aromatic while baking, and universally enjoyed by both kids and adults.
ingredients
all‑purpose flour
baking soda
ground ginger
ground cinnamon
ground cloves
salt
unsalted butter
brown sugar
egg
molasses
vanilla extract
royal icing (for decorating)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
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Whisk flour, baking soda, and spices together.
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Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
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Add egg, molasses, and vanilla.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
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Chill dough, then roll out and cut into shapes.
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Bake and cool before decorating with icing.
Servings and timing
Serves: 24 cookies
Preparation: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Baking: 8–10 minutes
Total: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
• Add orange zest to the dough for citrus depth.
• Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a milder taste.
• Decorate with chocolate drizzle instead of royal icing.
storage/reheating
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Undecorated cookies can be frozen up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why is my dough sticky?
Add a bit more flour or chill longer.
Can I use blackstrap molasses?
It’s too bitter; regular molasses is best.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, up to 3 days in advance.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About ¼ inch for best texture and even baking.
What icing works best?
Royal icing is ideal for detailed decorating.
Can I make them gluten‑free?
Use a 1:1 gluten‑free baking mix.
Why are my cookies spreading?
Ensure dough is well chilled and avoid greased pans.
Are they good for gifting?
Yes, they store well and look festive.
Conclusion
These classic gingerbread cookies are a holiday favourite, combining nostalgic flavour with fun decorating possibilities.
PrintClassic Gingerbread Cookies
Classic Gingerbread Cookies are warmly spiced, soft yet slightly crisp cookies made with molasses and a blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—perfect for holiday baking and decorating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24–30 cookies (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Optional: royal icing or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just firm.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with icing or sprinkles once cooled, if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and improves flavor.
- Adjust baking time for softer or crisper cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze undecorated cookies for longer storage.
- Great for cookie exchanges, gifts, or decorating with kids.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: gingerbread cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, spiced cookies, molasses cookies, gingerbread men
