Chewy and Soft Gingerbread Cookies

why make this recipe

Chewy and soft gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that balance warm spices and tender texture. They’re quick to mix, great for cookie swaps, and hold up well for decorating or dipping in a cup of tea. For another soft gingerbread approach, check out this soft chewy gingerbread-men recipe for inspiration.

introduction

These Chewy and Soft Gingerbread Cookies deliver deep molasses flavor with a tender, chewy center and slightly crisped edges. The dough is straightforward to make and easy to portion into uniform cookies. They’re ideal for cookie plates, gifting, or keeping warm on a cold afternoon.

how to make Chewy and Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Start by combining your dry spices and flour, cream the butter and sugar, then bring the wet and dry components together until a cohesive dough forms. Chill briefly if the dough feels too soft to roll or scoop, then shape into balls and bake until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Allow them to cool a few minutes on the sheet so they finish baking gently before transferring to a rack.

Ingredients :

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add molasses and egg, and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are firm.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

how to serve Chewy and Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Serve warm or at room temperature. These cookies pair beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, chai, or cocoa. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar, dip half in melted chocolate, or pipe simple royal icing designs.

how to store Chewy and Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread or a piece of apple in the container (replace as it dries). For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.

tips to make Chewy and Soft Gingerbread Cookies

• Measure flour properly—spoon into the cup and level off to avoid a dense cookie.
• Use room-temperature butter for easier creaming and a lighter texture.
• Don’t overbake: remove when edges are set and centers still look slightly soft; they’ll firm as they cool.
• If dough spreads too much, chill for 15–30 minutes before baking.
• For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion dough.

variation (if any)

• Add 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger or finely chopped candied ginger for extra zing.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly firmer texture.
• Swap molasses for dark corn syrup plus a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses in a pinch (flavor will be slightly different).
• Make sandwich cookies by spreading cream cheese frosting or lemon buttercream between two cookies.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes — you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before shaping and baking.

Q: Why are my cookies cakey instead of chewy?
A: Likely too much flour or overmixing. Ensure accurate flour measurement and mix until just combined.

Q: Can I roll and cut these into shapes?
A: The dough in this recipe is better for drop or scoop cookies. If you want cut-outs, chill the dough well or add a tablespoon more flour to firm it, then roll between parchment.

Conclusion

For an alternate take and more tips on achieving ultra-soft gingerbread cookies, see this detailed recipe: The BEST Easy Soft Gingerbread Cookies • Love From The Oven.