Classic Gingerbread Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite, loved for their warm spices, rich molasses flavor, and soft yet sturdy texture perfect for cutting and decorating. These cookies are deeply rooted in Christmas traditions and bring a cozy, nostalgic feeling to every kitchen they’re baked in. From gingerbread men to festive shapes, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
Unlike overly crisp gingerbread cookies, this classic version strikes the perfect balance—soft in the center with lightly crisp edges. Whether you’re baking with family, decorating with icing, or preparing cookie boxes for gifting, Classic Gingerbread Cookies are a must-have recipe for the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love These Classic Gingerbread Cookies
- Soft, tender texture with warm spices
- Rich molasses flavor without bitterness
- Perfect for cutting, shaping, and decorating
- A timeless Christmas baking classic
- Holds its shape beautifully in the oven
- Ideal for gifting, parties, and holiday trays
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe delivers reliable results every time and captures the true flavor of traditional gingerbread cookies. The dough is easy to work with, the cookies bake evenly, and the flavor improves as they cool. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Step 1 — Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
Step 3 — Add Molasses and Vanilla
Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4 — Combine Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
Step 5 — Chill the Dough
Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is essential for clean cookie shapes.
Step 6 — Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
Step 7 — Bake
Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set. Do not overbake.
Step 8 — Cool and Decorate
Let cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or toppings.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per cookie)
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 2g
Values vary based on size and decorations.
Tips for the Best Classic Gingerbread Cookies
- Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading
- Roll dough evenly for uniform baking
- Do not overbake—cookies should stay soft
- Use unsulfured molasses for best flavor
- Let cookies cool fully before icing
Variations & Substitutions
- Add nutmeg or allspice for deeper spice
- Use dark molasses for a stronger flavor
- Substitute half the butter with shortening for firmer cookies
- Add orange zest for a subtle citrus note
- Use gluten-free 1:1 flour blend if needed
What to Serve With Classic Gingerbread Cookies
- Hot chocolate
- Coffee or tea
- Mulled cider
- Eggnog
- Christmas dessert boards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the chilling step
- Overbaking (leads to hard cookies)
- Using blackstrap molasses (too bitter)
- Rolling dough too thin
- Decorating warm cookies
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Decorated cookies keep 3–4 days
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
- Freeze dough discs for future baking
Conclusion
Classic Gingerbread Cookies are a holiday essential that never goes out of style. With their warm spices, soft texture, and festive charm, they’re perfect for Christmas baking traditions, decorating sessions, and homemade gifts. This recipe delivers authentic flavor and dependable results, making it one you’ll return to year after year.
General Information
- Course: Dessert / Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
Why did my cookies spread?
The dough was likely too warm. Chill longer before baking.
Can I decorate with royal icing?
Yes. Royal icing works perfectly for gingerbread cookies.
Can I make them softer?
Slightly underbake and store with a slice of bread in the container.
Are these good for cookie houses?
Yes, but bake 1–2 minutes longer for firmer structure.