Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. These cookies are not only soft and chewy but also packed with aromatic spices that make them perfect for Christmas and holiday gatherings. They are easy to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal effort and basic ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for sharing: With 50 servings, these cookies are great for holiday parties or gift-giving.
- Festive flavors: The warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create an inviting aroma and taste that embodies the holiday spirit.
- Versatile enjoyment: Enjoy them plain, or decorate with icing for a fun family activity.
- Long-lasting freshness: These cookies stay soft and flavorful for days, making them ideal for meal prep during the busy holiday season.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, it’s important to gather your tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures even mixing of ingredients for a consistent dough texture.
- Mixing bowls: Allows for easy separation of wet and dry ingredients, which helps in achieving the perfect cookie consistency.
- Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for baking multiple trays of cookies at once.
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 Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the start.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and light brown sugar. Use your stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add in the egg, molasses, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with your fingers.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but centers are still soft. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Now you have delicious Soft Gingerbread Cookies ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for your next festive gathering!
How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Soft gingerbread cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. They can be enjoyed in various delightful ways that enhance their festive flavors.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. The creamy texture complements the spices beautifully.
Decorated with Icing
- Add some festive flair by decorating your cookies with royal icing. This not only looks beautiful but also adds extra sweetness.
Sandwiched with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Create delicious cookie sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting between two cookies. This creamy addition balances the spices perfectly.
Served Warm
- Enjoy these cookies warm right out of the oven. The softness and warmth make them even more irresistible.
As a Gift
- Pack soft gingerbread cookies in decorative boxes as holiday gifts. They are sure to bring joy to friends and family!
How to Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies
To achieve the perfect batch of soft gingerbread cookies, follow these simple tips for best results.
- Use fresh spices: Ensure your ground spices are fresh for maximum flavor impact in your cookies.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating your cookie dough for at least an hour helps develop deeper flavors and makes it easier to handle.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on baking times; remove them from the oven when they’re just set to keep them soft.
- Store properly: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness for longer.
- Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor variety.
- Use molasses wisely: Opt for regular molasses instead of blackstrap, as it provides a sweeter taste suitable for soft gingerbread cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Soft gingerbread cookies can be complemented by several delightful side dishes that enhance their flavor profile and create a festive atmosphere.
- Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with gingerbread, enhancing the cozy feeling of the season.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses that contrast nicely with the sweet spice of gingerbread.
- Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced tea brings warmth and aromatic notes that complement the flavors of your cookies.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream served alongside will add creaminess and a cool contrast to warm cookies.
- Nuts Mix: A mix of roasted nuts offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft, chewy cookies.
- Pumpkin Pie Dip: This creamy dip echoes autumn flavors, making it an excellent accompaniment to gingerbread treats.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce can balance the sweetness and spice, creating a delightful combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Soft Gingerbread Cookies, a few common mistakes can ruin the texture and flavor. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Using the wrong type of molasses: Always use regular molasses instead of blackstrap. Blackstrap can make the cookies overly bitter.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
- Skipping the chilling time: Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading. Allow at least an hour in the fridge before baking.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool.
- Ignoring spices: Fresh, high-quality spices are key for flavor. Don’t use stale spices that may diminish the cookie’s taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Soft Gingerbread Cookies in an airtight container.
- They can last up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat; cover to retain moisture while warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Soft Gingerbread Cookies:
Can I use whole wheat flour for Soft Gingerbread Cookies?
Yes, but it may change the texture slightly. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for better results.
What can I add to Soft Gingerbread Cookies for extra flavor?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
How do I know when my Soft Gingerbread Cookies are done?
They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I decorate my Soft Gingerbread Cookies?
Absolutely! Use royal icing or fondant for decorating once they’re completely cooled.
Final Thoughts
Soft Gingerbread Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different spices or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe and bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations!
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 50 servings 1x
Description
Soft Gingerbread Cookies are the perfect cozy treat for the holiday season. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are infused with aromatic spices that bring warmth to any gathering. Easy to make with basic ingredients, this recipe is an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated with icing, these delightful cookies are sure to impress your family and friends this festive season. They also store well, allowing you to prepare them ahead of time for holiday parties or gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar OR white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, molasses, vinegar, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with fingers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
