There's nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven to bring on the holiday spirit. These classic cookies, with their perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, are both festive and deliciously comforting. Whether you're decorating them with family or leaving them plain, each bite brings a nostalgic sweetness and a gentle kick of spice.

My love for these cookies began when I made them for a holiday cookie swap years ago, and since then, they've become a staple in our family traditions. Let me guide you through this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll make your kitchen the coziest place to be this season.

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies are more than just a treat – they’re a holiday tradition in every bite. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

First, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for holiday baking even with kids. The dough is easy to work with and can be rolled and cut into festive shapes without any fuss.

These cookies are full of warm, cozy flavors that make you feel instantly festive. The mix of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives them a rich, spiced flavor that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

If you’re into decorating, these cookies are the perfect canvas! Their sturdy texture holds up well to royal icing, sprinkles, or even simple dustings of powdered sugar.

Finally, this recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for gifting. One batch yields enough cookies to enjoy and share, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday baking lineup.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these gingerbread cookies is in the balance of simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Here’s a look at what makes them so special:

Flour: All-purpose flour gives these cookies the perfect chewy yet firm texture. Be sure to measure it correctly to avoid overly dense cookies.
Molasses: This is the key to authentic gingerbread flavor. It adds depth, moisture, and that unmistakable gingerbread taste. Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor – it’s sweet and mellow, perfect for these cookies.
Spices: A mix of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives these cookies their warming spiced profile. Fresh spices make a big difference here, so check your spice rack before baking!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the dough. Allowing it to soften makes it easier to cream with the sugar, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive dough.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar enhances the molasses and spice flavors with its caramel-like sweetness. Dark brown sugar works best for an extra-deep flavor, but light brown sugar will do just fine.

You'll also need cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and some parchment paper. And if you’re decorating, have royal icing and sprinkles on hand for a festive touch!

How To Make These Gingerbread Cookies

Making gingerbread cookies from scratch is simple and rewarding. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then, add in the molasses and egg, mixing until smooth. Slowly add in the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, and spices) until the dough comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky but will firm up after chilling.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Let the dough chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, which makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes – gingerbread people, stars, or trees are classics!
Bake: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are firm. They’ll continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem slightly soft when they come out of the oven.
Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, you can decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re planning to hang them on the tree, use a straw to create a small hole at the top of each cookie before baking.

These cookies take about 2 hours from start to finish, including chilling time. Expect rich, spicy aromas to fill your kitchen – and expect smiles from everyone who tries them!

Storage Options

Gingerbread cookies are perfect for making ahead, and they store beautifully. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room Temperature: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If you’re stacking decorated cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to protect the icing.
Freezing: Gingerbread dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out. Baked cookies can also be frozen, just be sure to cool them completely before wrapping.
Decorated Cookies: If you've already decorated your cookies, they’re best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in a single layer at room temperature for up to 3 days.

To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature. They’re deliciously soft after warming up a bit!

Variations and Substitutions

Gingerbread cookies are wonderfully versatile. Here are a few fun variations to try:

Spice It Up: For extra warmth, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the dough.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor is still amazing.
Citrus Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of finely grated orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy contrast to the spices.
Soft and Chewy: If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time by a minute or two, but keep a close eye on them to avoid underbaking.
Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.

There’s so much room to get creative with this recipe, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. And don’t be surprised if these gingerbread cookies become a new family favorite!

Happy holiday baking! Enjoy these gingerbread cookies with loved ones or as a special treat for yourself. Each batch is sure to bring a little extra warmth and cheer into your holiday season.