The Best Easy Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a quintessential holiday treat, loved for their warm spices and festive charm. Whether you’re decorating them with icing or enjoying them plain, soft gingerbread cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Based on the original recipe from Love From The Oven, this guide will walk you through creating the perfect soft gingerbread cookies. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and have the ideal chewy texture that sets them apart from their crunchy counterparts.

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup (160ml) molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups (406g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For decorating (optional):

• Royal icing
• Sprinkles
• Colored sugars

Tools Needed:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
2. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled, but this is normal.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg).
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Continue until the dough comes together and all the flour is incorporated. The dough will be soft but manageable.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two portions and flatten each into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut out shapes.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, such as gingerbread men, stars, or snowflakes.
4. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are puffed.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Decorate (Optional)

Once the cookies are completely cool, you can decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugars. Use piping bags or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off for precision icing work.

Tips for Success:

1. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It ensures the dough is firm enough to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
2. Don’t Overbake: For soft cookies, bake just until the edges are set. Overbaking will result in a crunchier texture.
3. Customize the Spices: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of ginger or cinnamon. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra nutmeg.
4. Make Ahead: The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

Serving and Storing:

These soft gingerbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully; simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Decorated cookies should be stored carefully to avoid smudging the icing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This recipe stands out because of its balance between ease and flavor. The cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the perfect blend of spices. They’re also versatile, allowing you to decorate them as simply or elaborately as you like. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a festive treat for guests, these gingerbread cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful soft gingerbread cookies with your loved ones this holiday season!