Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. These chewy cookies are not only perfect for Christmas, but they also make great snacks for holiday gatherings and family celebrations. With their rich spices and soft texture, they stand out in the world of baked goods. This recipe ensures you can easily whip up a batch from scratch, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves offers a warm and inviting taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 50 servings, these cookies are ideal for holiday parties or cookie exchanges.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them plain or decorate with icing for an extra festive touch.
• Great for All Occasions: While they shine during Christmas, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Soft Gingerbread Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving perfect cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures ingredients are well-blended.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking and easy cookie transfer.

Ingredients

This is an easy recipe for chewy and soft spiced cookies from scratch – a classic American gingerbread for Christmas!

For the Dough

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup molasses (NOT blackstrap)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar OR white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 5 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and light brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Soft Gingerbread Cookies!

How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful treat for any holiday gathering. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and makes the cookies look festive.

Accompanied by Hot Chocolate

• Pairing these cookies with warm hot chocolate creates a cozy experience perfect for winter nights.

Served with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on the side offers a creamy contrast to the spiced cookies.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange them on a decorative plate with other holiday treats for an eye-catching dessert spread.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

• For an extra indulgence, spread some cream cheese frosting on top for a deliciously creamy bite.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Achieving the perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth dough that bakes evenly.
• Measure Flour Carefully: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour allows flavors to meld and prevents spreading during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when they are just set; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their softness for longer periods.
• Add Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg for unique flavor twists.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Soft Gingerbread Cookies pair well with several side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Eggnog: This classic holiday drink adds a creamy, spiced flavor that complements gingerbread perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda to contrast with the spices in the cookies.
4. Ginger Tea: A warm cup of ginger tea enhances the ginger flavor while providing warmth on chilly days.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies adds an indulgent touch that is hard to resist.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream is perfect alongside warm gingerbread cookies for a delightful dessert experience.
7. Roasted Nuts: Offer a mix of roasted nuts as crunchy finger snacks that pair nicely with soft textures.
8. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider is a festive beverage that brings out the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg in your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking soft gingerbread cookies can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using the wrong type of molasses: Opt for regular molasses instead of blackstrap. Blackstrap can make your cookies too bitter.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies chewy. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon and level method for accurate measuring. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on them in the oven. They should be soft when you take them out, as they continue to firm up while cooling.
• Ignoring spice freshness: Make sure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Old spices can dull the taste of your cookies.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Gingerbread Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
• Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating Soft Gingerbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about soft gingerbread cookies.

How do I make my soft gingerbread cookies even softer?

You can add an extra tablespoon of butter or reduce the baking time slightly for softer cookies.

Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may change the texture slightly.

What is the best way to decorate soft gingerbread cookies?

Royal icing or simple glaze works great! You can also use colored sprinkles or edible glitter for festive touches.

Are soft gingerbread cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! They freeze well and maintain their delicious flavor and texture when thawed properly.

Final Thoughts

Soft gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any holiday gathering. Their chewy texture and warm spices create comfort and joy with every bite. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or decorations. Enjoy making these festive delights with family and friends!