There’s something about the aroma of freshly baked Gingerbread Cookies that brings the holiday spirit to life. Imagine warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves filling the air, and a batch of perfectly spiced cookies ready to be decorated.

I first made these gingerbread cookies as part of a holiday tradition, and they quickly became a family favorite. Not only are they delicious, but decorating them together has become one of our most cherished holiday activities.

Let’s get baking and create some holiday memories with these classic Gingerbread Cookies!

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cookies

These Gingerbread Cookies are holiday favorites for good reason! Here’s what makes them so special:

First, they’re fun and festive to make. Perfect for family gatherings or decorating parties, these cookies can be shaped, frosted, and customized any way you like.

These cookies have a perfectly balanced spiced flavor. They’re rich with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making every bite warm and comforting without being overpowering.

The recipe is easy to follow, with ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. It’s a no-fuss recipe that yields professional-looking cookies, even for beginners.

Best of all, these Gingerbread Cookies hold their shape beautifully. Whether you’re making classic gingerbread men or festive shapes, these cookies won’t spread too much, so your designs come out just right.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in these Gingerbread Cookies plays a part in creating that classic flavor and texture you’ll love.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies. Measure your flour accurately to ensure the right texture – too much flour can make the cookies tough.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor that complements the spices. Light or dark brown sugar works well, but dark brown sugar will add a bit more richness.
Unsalted Butter: This gives the cookies their tenderness and flavor. Let it come to room temperature for easier mixing with the sugar.
Molasses: A key ingredient that gives gingerbread its distinctive flavor and dark color. Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor and texture.
Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves): These spices give gingerbread its signature warmth. Freshly ground spices offer the best flavor, but pre-ground spices work perfectly too.
Egg: The egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. Make sure it’s at room temperature to mix evenly with the other ingredients.
Baking Soda and Salt: Baking soda helps the cookies rise just slightly, while salt balances the sweetness.

You’ll also need cookie cutters and parchment paper for rolling and cutting your dough, along with royal icing or your favorite decorations.

How To Make These Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are simple to make, and the process is part of the fun! Here’s how to get that perfect gingerbread texture and flavor:

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside for later.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and molasses, beating until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape it into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut without sticking.
Roll and Cut the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, then transfer the cookies to the baking sheets.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly puffed. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

These cookies bake up quickly and smell amazing – your kitchen will be filled with the scents of ginger and cinnamon in no time!

Storage Options

One of the best things about Gingerbread Cookies is how well they keep. Here’s how to store them so they stay fresh for as long as possible.

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, ready to enjoy anytime.
Freeze the Dough: If you’d like to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Baked gingerbread cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Let them thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Gingerbread Cookies are fun to experiment with, and there are plenty of ways to make them your own. Here are a few ideas:

Icing and Decorations: Decorate your cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch. You can also use melted chocolate for a different twist.
Chocolate Chip Gingerbread: For a fun twist, add mini chocolate chips to the dough. The chocolate complements the spiced flavors beautifully.
Gingerbread Spice: Add a bit more of each spice – or try adding a pinch of black pepper or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
Citrus Zest: For a brighter flavor, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough. This pairs wonderfully with the spices in gingerbread.
Soft vs. Crisp Cookies: If you prefer softer cookies, bake for the lower end of the suggested time. For crispier cookies, bake a few minutes longer until the edges are golden brown.

Get creative and have fun with this recipe – it’s perfect for bringing a little extra joy to the holiday season! Whether you’re decorating with family or gifting a batch to friends, these Gingerbread Cookies are a delicious way to celebrate.