If you’re looking for the perfect holiday treat that captures the essence of the season, these Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are just what you need! With their warm spices and delightful softness, these cookies are a festive favorite that will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of ginger and molasses.
What makes these gingerbread cookies so special is their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor, making them perfect for decorating or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a sweet treat for yourself!
Resume of the Recipe
These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are made with a blend of warm spices, including ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and sweetened with molasses. Ready in about 30 minutes (plus chilling time), these cookies are a delightful treat that will become a holiday staple!
With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up these scrumptious cookies in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Exciting Story:
The first time I made Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies, it was during a cozy winter afternoon, and I wanted to create something that would bring the family together. As I mixed the spices and molasses, the sweet, warm aroma filled the air, instantly putting everyone in the holiday spirit.
Once the cookies were baked, their soft texture was irresistible! The first bite was pure bliss—the blend of spices paired perfectly with the chewy center. These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies have since become a cherished tradition in our home, perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones.
Why These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies?
- Deliciously Spiced: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm and inviting flavor.
- Perfectly Chewy: These cookies maintain a soft and chewy texture that’s hard to resist.
- Fun to Decorate: Perfect for holiday baking with kids, these cookies are great for decorating with icing and sprinkles!
How to Make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Molasses and Egg: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate and Enjoy: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, powdered sugar, or your favorite sprinkles, if desired. Your Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor of your cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: For the softest cookies, be sure not to overbake them; they will firm up as they cool.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Different Flavors: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use coconut oil instead of butter and a natural sweetener instead of brown sugar for a lighter option.
Closing
And there you have it! These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are a deliciously festive treat that will impress anyone who tries them. Don’t forget to let us know how your cookies turn out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful holiday treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I store leftovers?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. - Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. - What can I use instead of molasses?
You can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. - How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be set around the edges and slightly soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool. - Can I add other flavors?
Yes! A splash of almond extract can create a delightful flavor twist. - What if I want to make them spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a warm spice! - What sides pair well with these cookies?
Serve with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful pairing! - How can I make this more festive?
Consider decorating with holiday-themed sprinkles or icing for extra flair! - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature; you can warm individual cookies slightly in the microwave if desired. - Can I use flavored extracts?
Yes! You can use different flavored extracts to enhance the flavor of the cookies. - How can I enhance the flavors?
Consider adding a drizzle of white chocolate or icing for a fun finish!
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
3 1/4 cups 3 1/4 all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon 1 baking soda
1 tablespoon 1 ground ginger
1 tablespoon 1 ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 salt
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 1 brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup 1/2 molasses
1 large 1 egg
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
For the Decoration (optional):
Royal icing or powdered sugar for dusting
Sprinkles or edible decorations
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Molasses and Egg: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate and Enjoy: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, powdered sugar, or your favorite sprinkles, if desired. Your Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
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