There’s something truly magical about the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies filling your kitchen. Whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon at home, these soft and chewy gingerbread cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy to your day. With their perfectly spiced flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Ready to dive in? Let’s bake these delicious treats together!

Why You’ll Love These Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies strike the perfect balance between softness and chewiness, making them irresistible. The spices add a depth of flavor, while the cream cheese frosting on top takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Plus, this recipe is straightforward, so even if you’re new to baking, you can achieve spectacular results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

Ingredient	Amount
Salted Butter (softened)	3/4 cup
Granulated Sugar	3/4 cup
Brown Sugar	1/3 cup
Whole Egg	1
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
Molasses	1/3 cup
All-Purpose Flour	2 1/4 cups
Baking Soda	2 teaspoons
Baking Powder	1/4 teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon	1 tablespoon
Ground Ginger	1 tablespoon
Ground Nutmeg	1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cloves	1/4 teaspoon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Ingredient	Amount
Cream Cheese (softened)	8 ounces
Powdered Sugar	1 cup
Butter (softened)	1/4 cup
Ground Cinnamon	1/8 teaspoon
Vanilla Extract	2 teaspoons
Milk	1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Station

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process can take several minutes, so be patient—it’s worth it!

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure a smooth mixture.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a dough forms, but be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies less tender.

6. Form the Cookies

Scoop the dough into balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Add the milk to thin the frosting to your desired consistency.

9. Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the frosting generously on top. If you’d like, sprinkle some festive decorations or a dusting of cinnamon for a final touch.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Don’t Over-Bake: For soft cookies, take them out as soon as the edges turn golden.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before scooping.

---

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cookie
Calories	160
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	21g
Protein	2g
Sugar	14g

FAQs About Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake them fresh for the best taste.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely. Freeze the baked cookies without frosting in an airtight container. Frost them after thawing for the best results.

3. What can I use instead of molasses?

If you’re out of molasses, try using honey or maple syrup. However, note that the flavor will be slightly different.

4. How do I store leftover cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

6. Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Definitely! Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or candied ginger for an extra twist.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Now that you’ve mastered the art of soft and chewy gingerbread cookies, it’s time to share them with your loved ones! Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the baking magic begin. And don’t forget to share your creations on social media or with friends—after all, nothing spreads joy like a homemade cookie!

Ready to bake these irresistible treats? Let’s get started!

Print