Nothing says the holidays quite like the scent of Gingerbread Cookies baking in the oven. These classic cookies are soft, spiced, and oh-so-cozy, filled with flavors of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon. Whether you’re decorating them with the family or baking for a cookie exchange, these gingerbread cookies are sure to be a hit.

I first made these cookies as part of our family’s annual cookie decorating tradition, and they quickly became everyone’s favorite. Each year, the kids look forward to decorating (and taste-testing!) these deliciously spiced treats.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

These Gingerbread Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking list. Not only are they flavorful, but they’re also easy to make and decorate!

First, the flavor is unbeatable. With a blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies have that unmistakable gingerbread taste that instantly evokes holiday cheer.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can roll them out thick for soft and chewy cookies or a bit thinner for a crispier bite. Whether you like them plain, decorated with royal icing, or sprinkled with sugar, they’re delicious in any form.

Plus, the dough is easy to work with, making it a fantastic recipe for baking with kids. You can cut it into traditional gingerbread shapes – like people, stars, or snowflakes – or get creative with other cookie cutters.

Lastly, these cookies make great gifts! Package them up in a holiday tin or wrap them individually for a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.

Ingredients Notes

Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make these Gingerbread Cookies so special. Each one plays an important role in flavor and texture.

Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for these cookies, creating a sturdy dough that holds up well to rolling and cutting. Be sure to measure accurately for the best texture.
Molasses: This is what gives gingerbread cookies their signature deep, rich flavor and color. Unsulphured molasses works best – avoid blackstrap molasses, as it can make the cookies bitter.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel note to the cookies, making them softer and chewier. You can use light or dark brown sugar, but dark brown will add a bit more flavor.
Butter: Butter gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use softened, unsalted butter for easy mixing and balanced flavor.
Spices: The warming spices are key! Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combine to create the perfect holiday flavor. If you want a spicier cookie, add a little more ginger.
Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly and adds a light, airy texture. This is essential for cookies that are soft yet sturdy enough for decorating.
Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies hold their shape. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best consistency.

How To Make These Gingerbread Cookies

Making Gingerbread Cookies is simple and fun – perfect for getting the whole family involved. Follow these steps for perfectly spiced, delicious cookies every time.

Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour – chilling makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Roll out the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, then roll out one portion of dough to about ¼-inch thick for softer cookies, or thinner for crispier ones. Cut out your desired shapes with cookie cutters and transfer the cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden. If you prefer a softer texture, remove them from the oven closer to the 8-minute mark. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to decorate! Use royal icing for intricate designs or drizzle with melted chocolate for a quicker option. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or add sprinkles for a festive touch.

Storage Options

These Gingerbread Cookies store beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option for the holidays.

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer: To freeze undecorated cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Freezing the Dough: You can also freeze the dough before rolling it out. Wrap the disks tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then roll, cut, and bake as usual.

Variations and Substitutions

This classic Gingerbread Cookies recipe is wonderfully customizable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Spicier Version: For a bolder ginger flavor, increase the ground ginger to 1 tablespoon. You can also add a dash of black pepper for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious.
Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent twist. Decorate with crushed peppermint or holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
Lemon Icing: Mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice to make a simple lemon icing. Drizzle over the cookies for a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
Pumpkin Spice: Substitute some of the ginger and cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a softer, milder spice profile that’s perfect for autumn.

These Gingerbread Cookies are a must-bake treat for the holidays. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy night in, a cookie exchange, or a festive get-together, these spiced cookies are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer.