Easy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

There’s something about the scent of warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves drifting through the house that just feels like Christmas. This gingerbread cookie recipe has been my go-to for over a decade, soft, spiced just right, and sturdy enough for decorating with kids. Whether you’re making classic gingerbread men or festive stars, this easy gingerbread cookie recipe brings comfort, cheer, and just the right amount of sweetness to your holiday table.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

• This is a soft gingerbread cookie recipe with warm spices and rich molasses flavor.
• Chill the dough for at least 2 hours for easy rolling and clean shapes.
• Make ahead-friendly – dough or cookies freeze well.
• Perfect for gingerbread men or cut-out cookies for decorating.
• Stores well up to 5 days, making it great for gifting or cookie exchanges.

Why This Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Feels Like Home

What Makes This Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Special?

Soft gingerbread cookies were the heart of my family’s holiday kitchen growing up. My mom had a tin that lived on the counter from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, filled with cookie cutters, red hots, and royal icing tips. Now, baking these with my own kids, usually while singing off-key Christmas songs and sneaking dough, is the tradition I look forward to most.

This isn’t a complicated cookie. It’s not fussy or overly sweet. It’s reliable, forgiving, and festive, kind of like the holidays should be.

And if you’re looking for more stress-free bakes, this easy cookie recipe collection has something for every cookie lover in the house.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Gingerbread Cookies?

Here’s a quick overview of what makes this the best gingerbread cookie recipe:

You’ll notice this is a soft gingerbread cookie recipe, not the crunchy kind you build houses with. If you want cookies that hold shape but stay tender, this dough nails it.

Looking for something classic? Try my sugar cookie recipe for all-purpose decorating.

How Do You Make a Gingerbread Cookie Step by Step?

What’s the Easiest Way to Make Gingerbread Cookie Dough?

Here’s the beauty of this dough: it’s mixed in one bowl, no mixer required, and it chills beautifully, meaning you can make it on a Monday and bake it Friday night with hot cocoa and your favorite fuzzy socks.

Step-by-step gingerbread cookie dough:

1. Melt your butter. In a large saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter.
2. Whisk in brown sugar and molasses. Add ¾ cup brown sugar and ⅔ cup molasses. Stir until smooth.
3. Cool slightly, then add egg. Let the mixture cool so the egg doesn’t scramble, then beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
4. Add the dry stuff. Stir in:
   • 3 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
   • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
   • ½ teaspoon cloves
   • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
   • ½ teaspoon baking soda
   • ½ teaspoon salt
5. Mix into a dough. It should be thick and a little sticky.
6. Wrap and chill. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Tip: If you’re in a rush, pop the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes. Works like a charm.

Once chilled, the dough rolls like a dream, soft but firm enough to hold shape. No spreading mess here.

For a no-chill cookie option, check out my oatmeal cookie recipe, just mix and bake!

How Do You Cut and Bake Gingerbread Cookies?

Here’s where the fun begins, especially if you’ve got tiny kitchen helpers nearby.

Roll & Cut Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Flour your surface. Roll dough to about ¼ inch thick.
3. Use cookie cutters. Gingerbread men, stars, trees, whatever brings you joy.
4. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Cookies should look dry but still soft in the center.

If you like a little snap, bake closer to 11 minutes. For soft centers, pull them early.

Want to mix things up? I love doing half gingerbread men and half hearts or snowflakes. Then I let the kids go wild with icing and sprinkles. If you love that flexibility, cake mix cookies are another fun, shape-it-your-way recipe.

Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

This soft gingerbread cookie recipe is perfect for Christmas baking. Full of warm spices and rich molasses, these cookies are easy to roll, decorate, and gift. Make them ahead and freeze for a stress-free holiday season.

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Course: Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Resting time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 24 Cookies

Calories: 120kcal

Author: Paula

Cost: $6

Equipment

• 1 Rolling Pin For rolling chilled dough evenly
• 1 Mixing Bowl Large size preferred
• 1 Cookie Cutters Gingerbread men, stars, etc.
• 2 Baking Sheets Lined with parchment
• 1 Wire Rack For cooling
• 1 Plastic Wrap For wrapping dough during chilling

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Unsalted butter Melted
• ¾ cup Brown sugar Packed
• ⅔ cup Molasses Unsulfured for best flavor
• 1 Egg Room temp
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract Optional
• 3 cups All-purpose flour Plus extra for rolling
• 1 tbsp Ground ginger
• 1 tbsp Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Ground cloves
• ½ tsp Nutmeg
• ½ tsp Baking soda
• ½ tsp Salt

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Instructions

• Instruction Group: Make the Dough
• In a large bowl, melt the butter (in microwave or saucepan).
• Whisk in brown sugar and molasses until smooth.
• Let mixture cool slightly, then beat in egg and vanilla.
• Stir in flour, spices, baking soda, and salt until dough forms.
• Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Instruction Group: Roll, Cut, and Bake
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thick.
• Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
• Place cookies on baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers still soft.
• Let cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully.
• Instruction Group: Decorate (Optional)
• Decorate with royal icing, sugar glaze, or candy as desired.
• Let icing dry completely before storing or stacking.

Notes

Storage: Keep in airtight container up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Flavor Boost: Add orange zest or swap in maple syrup for a twist.

Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can chill up to 4 days before baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 90mg | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 20mg

What Spices Make a Good Gingerbread Cookie?

Which Spices Should You Use for Gingerbread?

The spices are what transform a simple cookie into something that tastes like memories. Every time I open my spice cabinet in December, it’s like flipping through a photo album: grandma’s rolling pin, paper snowflakes on the windows, sticky fingers sneaking dough.

For a classic gingerbread cookie recipe, here’s the blend I swear by:

Together, these create a flavor profile that’s balanced and bold, with a warmth that lingers, just like a good holiday hug.

Want to go bolder? Add a pinch of black pepper for a gingerbread man with attitude. Want milder? Dial back the ginger to 2 teaspoons. This is your kitchen, your cookie.

If spice isn’t your thing, check out my buttery peanut butter cookie recipe, pure comfort, zero spice.

Can You Adjust the Spice Levels?

Absolutely. That’s part of what makes this the best gingerbread cookie recipe for home bakers, it’s flexible.

Here are some customizations I’ve tested (and loved):

Pro tip: fresh spices = better cookies. If your spices smell dusty or weak, it might be time for a refresh.

And if you’re a fan of punchy flavor, don’t sleep on my brown butter chocolate chip cookie recipe, it’s rich, toasty, and a little bit magical.

Can You Make This Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Ahead of Time?

How Long in Advance Can You Make Gingerbread Cookies?

One of the reasons I love this gingerbread cookie recipe is how well it fits into real-life schedules. Between holiday events, school concerts, and last-minute gift wrapping, it’s a relief to have a cookie dough that works with you, not against you.

Here’s the truth:
Yes, you can absolutely make this gingerbread cookie recipe ahead of time. In fact, it gets better when the flavors have time to mingle in the fridge.

Here’s how far in advance you can prep:

Want to build a holiday cookie stash? Double the batch of this easy gingerbread cookie recipe, freeze half, and you’ve got homemade joy ready to roll.

Need more make-ahead treats? My no-bake cookies recipe is the lazy day hero every busy baker deserves.

What’s the Best Way to Store Gingerbread Cookies?

Soft gingerbread cookies need love when it comes to storage, not too dry, not too humid.

Here’s what works best:

• After baking, cool completely on a wire rack.
• Store in an airtight tin or container with parchment between layers.
• Tuck in a slice of apple or bread to keep them moist (just like grandma did).

If you’re decorating these cookies, especially with icing or candy, let them dry fully before stacking. That keeps your adorable gingerbread men from turning into a sticky cookie puzzle.

I even bring extras to cookie swaps and holiday potlucks alongside my red velvet cookies. They always disappear fast.

Real Baker Review: Gingerbread Success Story

“I’ve tried five different gingerbread cookie recipes over the years, and this one is the winner. The dough rolled like a dream, and the cookies stayed soft for days. My 6-year-old said they were ‘Santa’s favorite.’”
— Maya R., San Antonio

Testimony like that is exactly why I keep coming back to this gingerbread cookie recipe year after year. It delivers, whether you’re baking with kids or prepping for a grown-up holiday dinner.

How to Decorate Your Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Like a Pro

What’s the Best Icing for Gingerbread Cookies?

A great gingerbread cookie recipe deserves the right finishing touch, and that’s where icing comes in. Whether you’re making classic gingerbread men or stars and trees, you want a decorating plan that’s simple, fun, and mess-free (or mostly mess-free, if kids are involved).

Here are three frosting favorites I use every year:

If you’re decorating with little ones, I suggest a sugar glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla. It’s fast, easy, and still leaves room for sprinkles, red hots, or mini chocolate chips.

Looking for a full-blown cookie art project? Mix up a batch of sugar cookies and decorate both sets, it’s double the fun with half the cleanup.

What Are Some Fun Gingerbread Decorating Ideas?

Now let’s talk inspiration. Here are some easy, crowd-pleasing ways to decorate your gingerbread cookies without needing a piping degree from culinary school:

• Classic Gingerbread Men:
  Pipe icing “clothes” in bright colors. Use mini M&Ms for buttons and pretzel sticks for arms.
• Sugared Edges:
  Brush raw cookies lightly with egg white and dip in coarse sugar before baking for a sparkly crunch.
• Ornament Cookies:
  Poke a hole before baking, tie with ribbon after, and hang your gingerbread cookies on the tree.
• Winter Wonderland Shapes:
  Stars, mittens, snowflakes, then dust with edible glitter or powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

One of my favorite swaps? Using this gingerbread cookie recipe to create sandwich cookies with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting in between. It’s like the holidays and a hug, all in one bite.

For more cookie creativity, my pumpkin cookies are another soft, spiced favorite that’s perfect for frosting and gifting.

Are Gingerbread Cookies Good for Christmas?

Why Are Gingerbread Cookies a Holiday Classic?

Gingerbread cookies and Christmas go together like twinkle lights and pine needles. There’s history in every bite, from old-world spice trade stories to Victorian parlor tables stacked with cookie tins. But really? It’s the feeling.

This gingerbread cookie recipe brings that feeling.

The mix of molasses and spice? Instant nostalgia. The sturdy yet soft texture? Perfect for shaping snowflakes or gingerbread men. The smell as they bake? Pure comfort.

Here’s why this cookie is a December MVP:

• Flavor: That classic combo of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses tastes like holiday tradition.
• Versatility: Make men, stars, trees, or sandwich them with frosting.
• Sturdiness: Great for decorating with kids or turning into edible ornaments.
• Make-ahead friendly: Whip up the dough days in advance and bake when ready.
• Crowd-pleasing: Not too sweet, not too spicy, just right.

Planning a holiday bake-a-thon? Pair this gingerbread cookie recipe with a batch of chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies for a cookie tray that covers every craving.

When Should You Bake Gingerbread Cookies for the Holidays?

If you want that fresh-baked smell on Christmas morning, you can bake these cookies the day before and store them airtight. But if you’re gifting or prepping for a cookie swap, here’s my favorite strategy:

Pro tip: Stack decorated gingerbread cookies in parchment-lined tins for safe travel. No smudging, no breaking, just smiles.

Want more classic bakes that travel well? My Nestlé Toll House cookie recipe is always a hit with friends and neighbors.

Serving, Gifting, and Gingerbread Cookie Joy

How Should You Serve Gingerbread Cookies?

Here’s the thing, gingerbread cookies don’t need a fancy setup. A plate, a mug of something warm, and a few friends or family nearby? That’s enough.

Still, if you want to turn your gingerbread cookie recipe into a memorable treat, here are some easy, fun ways to serve:

• Cookie Tray: Pair with red velvet cookies, sugar cookies, and peanut butter cookies for a beautiful mix.
• Dessert Boards: Lay out decorated cookies, marshmallows, chocolate bark, fruit, and mini mugs of hot cocoa.
• Fireside Snack: Serve with mulled cider or eggnog on a rustic wooden tray.

And don’t underestimate the joy of a gingerbread man dipped in coffee. It’s the little things.

How Can You Gift Gingerbread Cookies?

This easy gingerbread cookie recipe was made for sharing, and it holds up beautifully in boxes, jars, and tins. Whether you’re saying “thank you” to a teacher or spreading cheer to your neighbors, here’s how to package with love:

• Holiday Cookie Tins: Line with parchment, stack cookies gently. Add a handwritten tag and a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon stick.
• Clear Bags + Ribbon: Great for class parties or party favors.
• Mason Jars: Stack mini cookies inside, tie with baker’s twine, and include the recipe on a card.

Want to make it extra personal? Include a link to this post or share your own tip, like how you used the dough to make sandwich cookies with lemon buttercream.

Looking for another great gift cookie? Try no-bake cookies, they’re quick, fuss-free, and crowd-pleasing.

Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Always Come Back to This Recipe

Year after year, through moves and messy holidays and toddlers growing into teens, this gingerbread cookie recipe has stayed my holiday constant. It’s more than flour and spice. It’s little hands helping, it’s laughter in the kitchen, it’s sharing something sweet in a world that really needs it.

So here’s to simple traditions that stick.

Here’s to baking love into everything we do.

And here’s to cookies that taste like home.

Frequently Asked Questions