Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful treat that evokes the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season. These cookies, known for their rich flavors and soft texture, bring comfort and joy to any gathering. Making Soft Gingerbread Cookies at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and creates moments of joy for family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Soft Gingerbread Cookies. First and foremost, they are irresistibly delicious! The blend of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, comforting flavor that perfectly complements the soft texture of the cookies. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are bound to please everyone.
Moreover, baking cookies is a wonderful activity to share with loved ones. Kids and adults alike can join in on the fun, whether it’s measuring ingredients, mixing the batter, or decorating the finished cookies. Soft Gingerbread Cookies also make lovely gifts—pack them in cheerful boxes or tins and share the joy with neighbors and friends.
With just a few simple ingredients and some hands-on time, you can create a batch of Soft Gingerbread Cookies that will become a cherished tradition for years to come.
How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Making Soft Gingerbread Cookies is a delightful experience that involves straightforward steps. Below, you’ll find the ingredients and detailed directions to create this delicious treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup shortening
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (625 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- ¼-½ teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the unsulfured molasses and eggs to the mixture. Whip until well combined and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and white pepper). Gradually add about one cup of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. Repeat until all the flour mixture is used.
- Once the dough is well combined, separate it into three pieces, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for three hours.
- After chilling, roll out the dough on floured parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into your desired shapes. (If you prefer, you can place the shaped cookies in the freezer for about 10 minutes before baking to help them retain their form.)
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven. Small cookies will take about 6-8 minutes, medium cookies about 8-10 minutes, and large cookies approximately 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once done, let the cookies cool completely before decorating them with vanilla royal icing.
Pro Tips for Success with Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for developing the flavors and keeping the cookies soft. Make sure to chill for the recommended time.
- Keep the Shapes Uniform: When rolling out the dough, try to keep the cookies the same thickness for even baking.
- Decorate After Cooling: Always allow your cookies to cool completely before adding icing or decorations. This ensures the icing doesn’t melt and ruin your designs.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice quantities based on your personal preference or try adding other warm spices like cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close watch during baking. The cookies should be soft when you take them out of the oven; they will firm up as they cool.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your spices and leaveners like baking soda are fresh for maximum flavor and proper rising.
Flavor Variations for Soft Gingerbread Cookies
While the classic recipe is a delight on its own, you can enhance or change flavors with these variations:
- Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies: Incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder into the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist on the classic!
- Honey Gingerbread Cookies: Substitute honey for the molasses, which lends a different depth of flavor and sweetness.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped nuts or pecans to add a delightful crunch to the soft texture.
- Fruity Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh burst of citrus that complements the spices beautifully.
- Chai Spice Blend: Replace some of the spices with a chai spice blend for a unique aromatic experience.
Serving Suggestions for Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Soft Gingerbread Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas to serve and savor them:
- Coffee or Tea Pairing: These cookies make the perfect companion to a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea. The warmth enhances the flavors of the cookies.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert twist.
- Decorative Centerpiece: Arrange decorated cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings. They not only taste great but also look beautiful as part of your décor.
- Gift Giving: Wrap cookies in decorative boxes or bags as homemade gifts. They are lovely to share with friends and neighbors during the holiday season.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Soft Gingerbread Cookies
To keep your Soft Gingerbread Cookies fresh:
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They will stay soft and flavorful.
- In the Fridge: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they will last about two weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Use it within three months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.
- Coming Back to Life: If you freeze baked cookies, wrap them in wax paper and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes at 300 degrees F to restore their softness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————|———–|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 90mg |
FAQ About Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Can I substitute shortening in this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use all butter instead of shortening. This will give your cookies a richer flavor but may result in a slightly different texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut oil can also be used as a substitute.
What’s the best way to decorate my Soft Gingerbread Cookies?
A classic choice is to use vanilla royal icing, which hardens nicely and allows for detailed designs. You can also use colored icing for festive decorations. Consider using sprinkles, edible glitter, or even chocolate chips to decorate and make them visually appealing.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be soft when you remove them from the oven, as they will firm up as they cool. A light touch should leave a slight indentation, but they should not be overly doughy. Keep an eye on your preferred baking time to avoid overcooking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for texture. This swap allows individuals with gluten sensitivities to enjoy these tasty treats.
What other spices would work well in Soft Gingerbread Cookies?
While ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are traditional spices, experimenting with other warming spices can be fun. Allspice, cardamom, or even a hint of chili powder can provide a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With their rich flavors and soft texture, it’s hard to resist indulging in this classic recipe. The process of making them, from mixing the ingredients to decorating the cookies, becomes a cherished family tradition that creates lasting memories. So gather your ingredients, bring the family together, and enjoy the sweet togetherness that comes with baking these delightful Soft Gingerbread Cookies. Happy baking!
Print
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
- Total Time: 190 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful soft gingerbread cookies bursting with warm spices, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- ½ cup shortening
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (625 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- ¼-½ teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the unsulfured molasses and eggs to the mixture. Whip until well combined and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients. Gradually add about one cup of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. Repeat until all the flour mixture is used.
- Once the dough is well combined, separate it into three pieces, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for three hours.
- After chilling, roll out the dough on floured parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake the cookies. Small cookies will take about 6-8 minutes, medium cookies about 8-10 minutes, and large cookies 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once done, let the cookies cool completely before decorating them with vanilla royal icing.
Notes
Chill the dough for enhanced flavors and ensure even baking by keeping shapes uniform.
- Prep Time: 180 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American