Soft Glazed Gingerbread Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg with the deep richness of molasses. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a delicate vanilla glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply indulging in seasonal flavors, these cookies are sure to be a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture – These cookies stay moist and tender thanks to molasses and brown sugar.
- Warm Holiday Spices – A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies their classic gingerbread flavor.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a quick baking time make this a no-fuss recipe.
- Perfectly Sweetened – The vanilla glaze complements the spiced cookies without overpowering them.
- Great for Gifting – These cookies stay fresh for days and make excellent holiday gifts or party treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Combine the Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, flattening each slightly with your hands or the back of a spoon.
7. Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool completely before adding the glaze.
8. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Glaze the Cookies
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Spiced Sugar Coating – Roll the cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor.
- Extra Chewy Texture – Add an extra tablespoon of molasses for a more intense chewiness.
- Citrus Twist – Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright, festive flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Swap the vanilla glaze for melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Addition – Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to refresh their soft texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
2. Can I use blackstrap molasses?
Blackstrap molasses is more intense and slightly bitter. For a milder, traditional gingerbread flavor, use regular unsulfured molasses.
3. Why are my cookies too hard?
Overbaking can cause the cookies to be hard instead of soft. Bake just until the edges are set, and let them cool on the baking sheet.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
5. What can I use instead of molasses?
Dark corn syrup or maple syrup can be used, but they will slightly alter the flavor.
6. How do I get a thicker glaze?
Reduce the amount of milk or add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Can I use cookie cutters for this dough?
This dough is best for drop cookies, but you can chill it and roll it out for cut-out shapes if desired.
8. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and almond or oat milk for both the cookies and glaze.
9. How can I make these cookies crispier?
Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispier texture.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.
Conclusion
Soft Glazed Gingerbread Cookies are a must-have holiday treat, offering the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and chewiness. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, gifting homemade treats, or simply craving a cozy dessert, these cookies are sure to delight. Try them today and enjoy the comforting flavors of the season!
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PrintSoft Glazed Gingerbread Cookies
Chewy, spiced gingerbread cookies infused with warm cinnamon, molasses, and ginger, finished with a sweet vanilla glaze—perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave cozy flavors!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Shape and Bake:
- Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Let cookies cool completely before glazing.
3. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Notes
- Extra Softness: Slightly underbake the cookies for an even chewier texture.
- Spice Boost: Add a pinch of black pepper for a more intense gingerbread flavor.
- Decorating Idea: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.