Why Make This Recipe
Soft Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful treat. They bring warmth and joy to your home during the colder months. The blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Soft Gingerbread Cookies are not only tasty but also easy to make with simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. Whether for a holiday gathering, a cozy evening at home, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies offer comfort and satisfaction. The soft texture and spiced flavor make them perfect for dunking in milk or enjoying with hot tea or coffee. Plus, baking these cookies is a fun activity for the whole family. Children will love rolling the dough into balls, and adults will enjoy the warm atmosphere that comes from baking. In short, there are plenty of reasons to make Soft Gingerbread Cookies right now!
How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Making Soft Gingerbread Cookies is a straightforward process. With just a few steps, you will have a batch of delicious cookies ready for tasting. Below, you will find all the information you need to create these delightful treats.
Ingredients
To make Soft Gingerbread Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
Directions
Follow these easy steps to bake your Soft Gingerbread Cookies:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft.
Line the Baking Sheet: Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking to the sheet, making cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Make sure these ingredients are well combined, as this mixture forms the base of your cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.
Add Egg and Molasses: Crack the large egg into the butter-sugar mixture. Then, pour in the unsulfured molasses. Mix these ingredients together until everything is combined. You should have a smooth mixture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Shape the Cookies: Using your hands or a spoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each ball to allow for spreading as the cookies bake.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be firm, while the centers remain soft.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them maintain their soft and chewy texture.
How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Soft Gingerbread Cookies can be served in countless ways. Here are a few ideas to enhance your cookie experience:
With Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks. Serve them with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a cozy snack.
Plating: Arrange your cookies on a festive plate for holiday gatherings or family events. You can also add decorations like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or icing on top for a more festive touch.
Gift Giving: Soft Gingerbread Cookies are fantastic gifts. Package them in colorful bags or boxes and tie them with a ribbon. Everyone loves a homemade treat!
Decorating: You can also use royal icing or melted chocolate to decorate the cookies. This is especially fun for kids, allowing them to get creative with their designs.
How to Store Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Proper storage is essential to keep your Soft Gingerbread Cookies fresh.
Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for about a week.
Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate the cookies. They will stay good for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, but be sure to use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Soft Gingerbread Cookies. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature.
Tips to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Here are some tips to make your Soft Gingerbread Cookies even better:
Molasses: Use high-quality unsulfured molasses for the best flavor. The richer the molasses, the tastier your cookies will be.
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve the right texture when creaming with sugars.
Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough once you combine dry and wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 8-minute mark.
Variation
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can make interesting variations:
Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips for a fun twist. This adds a sweet and creamy texture to your cookies.
Frosting: After the cookies cool, you can frost them with cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.
Add Nuts: Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can be added for a crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for these cookies?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly. The cookies may be denser, but they will still taste good.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
How can I make the cookies softer?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Enjoy creating these delicious Soft Gingerbread Cookies! Baking can bring joy and warmth into your home, and these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you make them for the holidays or just because, they are a treat everyone will love.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and molasses to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are firm and the centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.