Dessert

Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

ByEthan Lark February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Introduction

Gingerbread cookies are a classic treat, perfect for sharing during the holiday season or any time you crave a spicy, sweet bite. These soft and flavorful cookies balance warm spices with rich molasses for a comforting and nostalgic flavor.

The image shows eight round, golden brown bread rolls with a rough, cracked texture arranged on a circular metal cooling rack with white rings. The rack sits on a dark textured surface replaced by a white marbled texture. On the right edge of the rack, there is a large knife with a worn, metal blade and a dark wooden handle. In the top left corner, there's a hint of a creamy beverage in a white cup. The overall scene has a warm, rustic feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 stick plus 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1½ tbsp dark molasses
1⅓ cups light brown soft sugar
½ tsp fine sea salt
1 egg
1¾ cups plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp ground cloves
1½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, dark molasses, light brown sugar, and fine sea salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Add the egg to the mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Gradually beat in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour to firm up.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F (gas mark 6). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6: Divide the chilled dough into 20 even-sized balls. For accuracy, you can weigh each ball.
Step 7: Pour the granulated sugar onto a small plate and roll each dough ball in the sugar to coat evenly.
Step 8: Place the coated balls spaced apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
Step 9: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh ground spices for a more vibrant gingerbread flavor.
For a softer cookie, slightly reduce baking time by 1 minute.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Roll the dough balls in a mix of sugar and cinnamon instead of plain sugar for added flavor.

Storage

Store the gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving to bring back their softness.