Name: Classic Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 10 tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 2/3 cup (160ml; about 200g) unsulphured or dark molasses (not blackstrap); 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Optional: cookie icing, royal icing, or buttercream for decorating

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Classic Gingerbread Cookies bring cozy holiday cheer with their warm spices and soft, chewy centers. These cookies are sweetly spiced, fun to decorate, and perfect for Christmas gatherings or gifting to friends and family.

Classic Gingerbread Cookies decorated with icing and festive sprinkles

Why You’ll Love These Classic Gingerbread Cookies

There’s something magical about Classic Gingerbread Cookies during the holiday season. The aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger fills the kitchen, making it feel instantly cozy. Each bite offers a soft, slightly chewy center balanced with crisp edges, giving the perfect texture contrast.

They’re not just delicious but also practical. The dough is sturdy enough to cut into festive shapes, yet it bakes into cookies that melt in your mouth. You can bake them ahead, decorate when you have time, and store them for days without losing flavor.

These cookies are also versatile. Kids love decorating them with colorful icing, while adults appreciate their classic, spiced flavor. They freeze beautifully, so you can prepare batches early for stress-free holiday planning. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with sugar, or dressed up with royal icing, these cookies fit every Christmas occasion.

In short, Classic Gingerbread Cookies are timeless. They’re easy, festive, and guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

Start with 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to build the structure. Baking soda gives the cookies a light lift, while salt sharpens the flavors. Spices are key here: a tablespoon each of ground ginger and cinnamon, plus half teaspoons of allspice and cloves. These warm spices create that unmistakable gingerbread taste.

Wet Ingredients

Unsalted butter gives richness and softness. Light or dark brown sugar adds sweetness with a hint of caramel. Molasses is the star, lending a deep, earthy flavor and dark color. Add one large egg to bind the dough, and pure vanilla extract to round out the sweetness.

Optional Decorations

Once baked, the fun begins. You can decorate with cookie icing, royal icing, or even tinted buttercream. A sprinkle of sugar or festive sprinkles also adds holiday sparkle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add brown sugar and molasses, mixing until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until a thick dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 3 hours. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and helping cookies keep their shape.

Gingerbread cookie dough on floured surface with rolling pin

Roll, Cut, and Shape

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies an inch apart on lined baking sheets.

Rolled gingerbread cookie dough with cookie cutter shapes

Bake the Cookies

Bake 8–11 minutes depending on size. Rotate the pans halfway through to bake evenly. Smaller cookies may need less time, while larger ones take the full 11 minutes.

Freshly baked gingerbread cookies cooling on baking sheet

Cool and Decorate

Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Wait until they’re completely cool before decorating with icing or sprinkles.

Recipe Tips and Notes

Why Chilling the Dough is Essential

Chilling prevents the butter from spreading too quickly, keeping cookies thick and chewy. It also allows the spices to blend deeper into the dough, making every bite more flavorful.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Freeze baked cookies or dough for up to 3 months. If freezing dough, thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Recipe Variations and Decorating Ideas

Try decorating with spiced buttercream or tinted royal icing. For extra sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar before baking. You can also flavor icing with orange zest or peppermint for a holiday twist. Just remember, these cookies aren’t sturdy enough for gingerbread houses—they’re best enjoyed as soft, festive treats.

Conclusion

Decorated gingerbread cookies with icing and festive sprinkles

Classic Gingerbread Cookies are the heart of holiday baking. With their rich molasses flavor, cozy spices, and soft yet crisp texture, they’re both nostalgic and delicious. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated with icing, they’re perfect for Christmas cookie trays or as homemade gifts. Bake a batch, let the sweet aroma fill your kitchen, and share the joy with everyone around you. For even more festive ideas and decorating inspiration, check out my boards on Pinterest.