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Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Perfectly soft and buttery gingerbread cookies with the ideal balance of warm spices. These classic holiday cookies feature a tender texture and rich molasses flavor with just the right amount of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 153

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup butter room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar for rolling

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • 2-tablespoon cookie scoop
  • wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the butter and sugar together for 2 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  3. Add molasses and mix until incorporated and smooth.
  4. Beat in egg, egg yolk, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
  5. Turn the mixer to low and add flour, mixing just until dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  6. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into smooth balls. This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
  7. Roll each dough ball generously in the extra sugar until well coated, then place on baking sheet 2-3 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden brown and set, but centers still look slightly soft and puffy.
  9. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, make sure butter is at room temperature before starting. Don't overbake - cookies will firm up as they cool. Use a cookie scoop for uniform sized cookies. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Dough can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated, or dough balls can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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