These Soft Gingerbread Cookies are the perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, with a pillowy soft texture and a gently spiced flavor. The edges are just slightly crisp, but the centers remain delightfully soft and chewy. Dipping them in the creamy maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness that takes these cookies to the next level. Perfect for your holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or to leave out for Santa!
The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their flavor but in their ease and simplicity. With minimal ingredients and a quick baking time, they make a great last-minute holiday treat. Roll them in sugar, bake to perfection, and finish with a festive glaze – these cookies will fill your kitchen with the comforting scents of ginger and molasses and add a touch of sweetness to any holiday celebration.
Full Recipe:
For the Cookies
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (300 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 teaspoons ground ginger
- Granulated sugar for rolling
For the Maple Glaze
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180 grams)
- 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
- Pinch of salt, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and molasses, mixing until well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop the dough into small balls (slightly smaller than a golf ball). Roll each ball in sugar until coated. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool and slightly flatten.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, milk, and salt until smooth. The glaze should be quite thick – add a tiny bit more milk if necessary to achieve a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip one side of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Optionally, add festive sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per cookie | Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Background and Origin
Gingerbread cookies are a timeless holiday classic, originally stemming from European traditions. Over time, they’ve evolved from crispy, firm gingerbread houses and gingerbread men to these soft, chewy delights that are perfect for snacking. The soft version is beloved for its tender texture and deeper flavor, often highlighting the warmth of ginger and the rich, slightly bittersweet notes of molasses.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Pillowy Texture: Unlike the traditional firm gingerbread, these cookies are fluffy and soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth. They have a satisfying texture that’s tender and just a little chewy.
- Perfect Balance of Spice and Sweetness: The ginger, combined with molasses, creates a warm spiciness that pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the maple glaze.
- Maple Glaze Finish: The glaze made with pure maple syrup not only adds a touch of elegance to the cookies but also introduces a delicious contrast to the ginger and molasses, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking, these cookies are quick to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute holiday treats or spontaneous baking sessions.
- Customizable for Your Holiday Needs: Dress them up with festive sprinkles, tiny holly leaf decorations, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to make them extra special for your holiday dessert table.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store at Room Temperature: These cookies will stay fresh and soft for 3-5 days when kept in an airtight container. The glaze may set further as they sit, but they remain delicious.
- Freezing Instructions: If you want to prepare these in advance, bake the cookies and let them cool completely. Freeze them without the glaze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and add the glaze before serving for the freshest taste.
- Substitute for Molasses: Although molasses is key to the flavor, if you find yourself without it, pure maple syrup can be used in a pinch, but it will alter the taste slightly to be a bit milder and less rich.
Baking Tips and Tricks
- Measuring Flour for Best Results: How you measure the flour can affect the texture. For the perfect soft and crinkly texture, it’s recommended to measure the flour by weight (300 grams). If measuring by cups, scoop directly into the flour container and level it off without packing it in.
- Adjusting Texture: If your first batch comes out flatter than desired, don’t worry! Mix an additional tablespoon or two of flour into the remaining dough for a slightly thicker cookie with a more defined center.
- Making the Glaze Perfectly Smooth: The glaze is designed to be thick so it sets nicely on top of the cookie, but it should still be smooth and dippable. If your glaze is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time to reach the perfect consistency.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a chocolate drizzle over the maple glaze after it has set. White, dark, or milk chocolate all work well and add a beautiful visual contrast.
- Spiced Up: If you enjoy more of a spice kick, feel free to increase the ground ginger or add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the dough for a spicier bite.
Pairing Suggestions
These soft gingerbread cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of warm beverages:
- Classic Hot Chocolate: The creamy richness of hot chocolate enhances the ginger and molasses flavors.
- Mulled Wine or Cider: The spices in mulled wine or cider beautifully complement the spiced notes in the cookies.
- Chai Tea or Spiced Latte: A warm chai tea or spiced latte is a cozy pairing that brings out the cookie’s aromatic spices.
Festive Presentation Ideas
- Cookie Boxes for Gifting: Arrange the cookies in small boxes lined with parchment paper, and add festive ribbon for gifting to friends and family.
- Holiday Cookie Platter: Place the cookies on a festive holiday platter with other seasonal treats like peppermint bark, shortbread, and sugar cookies to create a stunning dessert table centerpiece.
- DIY Decorating Station: Set up a decorating station for kids or guests with sprinkles, edible glitter, and icing pens so they can personalize their own cookies after they are glazed.
Healthier Alternatives
- Whole Wheat Flour: If you want a bit more fiber, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The texture will be slightly different, but it still makes a deliciously soft cookie.
- Reduce Sugar: To reduce the overall sugar content, consider rolling the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mix instead of plain granulated sugar, or reduce the sugar in the dough by 1/4 cup.
The History of Gingerbread
Gingerbread has a rich history that dates back centuries. Originally, it was more of a dense cake made with honey and spices. It became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages when ginger and other spices were brought from the East, making it a special treat for holidays and festivals. Over time, gingerbread evolved into different forms, including cookies and gingerbread houses, and became a staple during Christmas celebrations in many cultures.
The Molasses Magic
One of the key ingredients in this cookie recipe is molasses. Molasses not only adds a rich, deep flavor to the gingerbread cookies but also provides moisture and chewiness. It’s what gives these cookies their signature soft texture and deep brown color. Unsulphured molasses is preferred for its milder flavor, and it’s widely available in grocery stores (like the Grandma’s brand used in this recipe).
If you’re wondering about the difference between blackstrap molasses and regular molasses: blackstrap is thicker, darker, and has a more bitter taste, which can overpower the other flavors in these cookies. That’s why regular unsulphured molasses is recommended for this recipe.
The Role of the Maple Glaze
The maple glaze is what makes these cookies stand out from traditional gingerbread recipes. Made with pure maple syrup, it enhances the flavor profile with its subtle sweetness and adds a touch of sophistication. The glaze also sets nicely on the cookies, giving them an elegant finish that’s great for presentation. Once set, the glaze hardens slightly, creating a beautiful sheen that makes these cookies look just as good as they taste.
Tip: Make sure to use real maple syrup for the best flavor. The artificial pancake syrups won’t give you the same depth of taste and could affect the consistency of the glaze.
Soft vs. Crisp Gingerbread – The Texture Debate
Traditional gingerbread cookies are often crisp, thin, and perfect for making into gingerbread houses or cookie shapes. However, these Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are designed to be pillowy soft and chewy. The baking soda helps the cookies to spread and flatten in the oven, creating a cookie that has crispy edges but remains tender in the center.
This textural difference makes them more enjoyable as a snacking cookie and less of a decorative treat. The slightly cracked surface is also a hallmark of a great gingerbread cookie, as it allows the flavors and glaze to seep in beautifully.
Making It Kid-Friendly
Baking these cookies can be a fun and interactive activity for kids. Since they don’t require rolling out dough or cutting with cookie cutters, it’s easier for little hands to help out with rolling the dough into balls and coating them in sugar. Once baked and cooled, kids can also have a blast dipping the cookies into the maple glaze and adding festive sprinkles.
Fun Idea: Create a cookie decorating party where each child (or adult!) gets their own small bowl of glaze and a variety of toppings to decorate their cookies. It’s a great way to make holiday memories together!
Flavor Combinations and Add-Ons
If you want to experiment with the flavors or make this recipe even more festive, here are a few variations and add-ons to consider:
- Orange Zest: Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist. Orange pairs wonderfully with ginger and maple, creating a brighter, more refreshing flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the dough. It enhances the ginger spice and adds a touch of warmth to each bite.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough before baking for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the maple glaze.
- Chocolate Lovers: Dip half of each glazed cookie into melted dark or white chocolate for a stunning look and an added layer of flavor.
A Gluten-Free Option
If you’re catering to guests who are gluten intolerant or looking to make a gluten-free version of these cookies, you can easily adapt this recipe:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (a blend that includes xanthan gum works best). The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get that soft and chewy result.
Aesthetic and Styling Ideas for the Perfect Cookie Presentation
The beauty of these cookies is in their rustic yet elegant look. Here are some styling tips for presenting these gingerbread cookies on your dessert table:
- Holiday Platter Arrangement: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful holiday-themed plate or platter. Use greenery like pine branches, holly, or sprigs of rosemary around the edges for a festive touch.
- Sprinkle Variety: When decorating the cookies with sprinkles, use different types like silver or gold dragées, sparkling sugar, or tiny edible stars to add a variety of colors and textures to your display.
- Stack and Wrap for Gifting: Stack 3-4 cookies, tie them with twine, and place them in cellophane bags for a cute, edible gift. Attach a small tag with the name of the cookies and a holiday greeting for a personal touch.
The Aromas of Holiday Baking
One of the best parts of baking these gingerbread cookies is the aroma that fills your kitchen. The scent of ginger, molasses, and maple syrup baking together creates a comforting, holiday atmosphere. It’s reminiscent of cozy winter nights, festive gatherings, and all the joys of the holiday season. Even before you take your first bite, the smell alone will put you in a festive mood.
Perfect for Any Holiday Occasion
These cookies are versatile and fit perfectly into any holiday event:
- Cookie Exchanges: They’re a hit at cookie swaps, as they stand out with their unique maple glaze and soft texture.
- Santa’s Treat Plate: These cookies are ideal for leaving out with a glass of milk on Christmas Eve for Santa – soft, sweet, and with a touch of magic from the maple glaze.
- Holiday Gatherings: Bring these to any holiday party or potluck as a sweet treat to share. Their spiced flavors and soft texture will be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Conclusion
These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. With their pillowy texture, warm spices, and sweet maple glaze, they offer a cozy and flavorful experience perfect for any festive occasion. Quick to make and versatile for all kinds of celebrations, these cookies are sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday baking tradition. Enjoy sharing these soft, spiced, and glazed treats with loved ones, bringing warmth and joy to every bite!