Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season or any chilly day when you need something to warm your spirits. Imagine biting into a soft, spicy cookie, crunchy on the edges, and bursting with the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. These cookies bring back memories of cozy kitchens filled with laughter, family gatherings, and the love that comes with baking. They not only taste fantastic but also smell incredible as they bake, filling your home with the sweet, spicy aroma that’s simply irresistible.
Making these Chewy Gingerbread Cookies isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s an experience. You get to roll out the dough, cut fun shapes, and possibly decorate them with icing or sprinkles, making it an excellent activity for all ages. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on creating these scrumptious cookies that are sure to please everyone, from kids to adults.
Ingredients
To make your Chewy Gingerbread Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar or icing for decorating
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful cookie that will have your taste buds dancing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: Start by sifting together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This not only combines them but also aerates the flour, making your cookies light and fluffy.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until it’s creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The butter should look light and fluffy.
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Add Molasses and Egg: Next, mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until it’s well combined. The mixture should darken as you add the molasses, giving it that rich color and flavor.
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Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined, but avoid over-mixing. You don’t want tough cookies!
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Chill the Dough: It’s essential to chill the dough for at least an hour. Wrap it in plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge. Chill time helps the flavors meld and makes rolling the dough easier later on.
Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
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Preheat Your Oven: As you prepare to roll out the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Flour Your Surface: Lightly flour your countertop or a large cutting board. Take the chilled dough out of the fridge and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick.
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Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters of your choice to create fun holiday shapes like stars, gingerbread men, or trees. Place the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little as they bake.
Baking the Cookies
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Bake: Put your trays in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look firm but the center still looks soft.
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Cooling Time: After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a little before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating the Cookies
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Icing or Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are cool, you can get creative! Use a simple icing made from powdered sugar and water, or sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a cleaner look. If you want, you can even decorate them with colorful icing to add some festive cheer!
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Storing: Let your cookies sit for a bit to let any icing harden, then store them in an airtight container. Properly stored, your Chewy Gingerbread Cookies will last for about a week.
Tips for Perfect Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
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Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances their flavor.
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Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can give them a twist!
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Avoid Overbaking: Remember that cookies will continue to cook a little after coming out of the oven due to residual heat. So, slightly underbaking them keeps them chewy!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These Chewy Gingerbread Cookies aren’t just about taste; they are about the experience. Each bite is a nostalgic journey through the holiday season, with warm spices filling your mouth and the softness providing a comforting texture. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to spend time with loved ones, whether you’re making cookies for yourself or creating them as gifts.
Moreover, these cookies work well for any occasion. You can use them as festive treats during the holidays or serve them at any gathering. Everyone will appreciate the homemade touch, and you’ll feel proud serving something you made with love.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have everything you need to make Chewy Gingerbread Cookies, it’s your turn to share the joy! Baking can be such a rewarding activity. It’s not just about creating tasty treats; it’s about making memories and sharing love through food. So gather your family or friends, get baking, and make this delicious recipe your own. Happy baking!
Print
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
These chewy gingerbread cookies offer a delightful blend of spices and sweetness, making them an ideal treat for festive gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they’re perfect for all ages!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar or icing for decorating
Instructions
- Sift together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually blend dry mixture into wet ingredients until combined.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Flour your surface and roll out the chilled dough to ¼ inch thick.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are firm and center is soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate with icing or powdered sugar if desired.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining shape and flavor.
Feel free to modify spices according to your preference.
Slightly underbake for a chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 20
