Description

Master the art of baking soft, aromatic spiced gingerbread cookies that combine warm spices, rich molasses, and perfect texture — the ultimate festive treat for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

3¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
2 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup salted butter, softened
¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsulfured molasses
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting: 2 tbsp butter, softened, 2 cups powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, pinch of salt

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Divide dough into two discs, wrap tightly, and chill for 3–4 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll dough between parchment to ¼-inch thickness and cut into shapes. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set and tops are matte. Cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
For frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, milk, and salt until smooth. Decorate cooled cookies as desired.

Notes

Chill dough at least 3 hours to prevent spreading. Avoid overbaking for soft cookies. Store in airtight containers up to 5 days or freeze unfrosted cookies up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 165
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 18mg

Keywords: spiced gingerbread cookies, holiday cookies, molasses cookies, festive baking