Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Moist Gingerbread Cookie Recipe – Soft and Flavorful Holiday Treat

When it comes to holiday baking, nothing beats the rich aroma and warm flavors of gingerbread cookies. This Moist Gingerbread Cookie Recipe is the ultimate festive treat – soft, spiced, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat on chilly days, these cookies stay tender with every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Moist Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies come together with simple pantry staples and a few special ingredients to ensure they’re perfectly moist and flavorful:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them tender.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and maintain their soft texture.
• Warm Spices: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg gives the cookies their signature flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and ensures the cookies are moist.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Enhances the molasses flavor while adding moisture.
• Molasses: The star ingredient that gives gingerbread its deep, rich flavor and ensures the cookies remain moist.
• Egg and Vanilla Extract: Help bind the dough and add a subtle sweetness.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Ensures the cookies remain soft and tender.
• Optional Orange Zest: Adds a hint of citrusy brightness for a fresh twist.

Instructions

Making these cookies is simple and perfect for holiday baking. The process begins with whisking together dry ingredients like flour and spices.  Make sure they’re evenly combined for consistent flavor. In a separate bowl, the wet ingredients, including molasses and butter, are mixed until smooth and creamy.  You’ve created the fragrant base for the dough.

Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, the dough comes together easily. If it feels sticky, chilling it helps make it more manageable and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking. When ready, the dough can be rolled out for cut-out shapes or scooped into round cookies, depending on your preference.

Baking at the right temperature ensures the cookies stay soft and moist. A short cooling period helps them firm up without losing their tender texture. From there, they can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite decorations.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your gingerbread cookies turn out soft and moist every time:

• Molasses is Key: Using dark molasses ensures deep flavor and moisture.
• Chill the Dough: Makes handling easier and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking the cookies keeps them moist and soft.
• Optional Orange Zest: Adds a fresh twist to the warm spices.

Equipment for Making Gingerbread Cookies

To create these soft and delicious cookies, you’ll need some basic baking tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk and Hand Mixer: The whisk ensures even blending of dry ingredients, while the hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless.
• Rolling Pin: Essential if you’re making cut-out shapes.
• Cookie Cutters: Perfect for festive designs, but optional if making round cookies.
• Baking Sheets and Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Wire Rack: Helps the cookies cool evenly after baking.

What to Serve With Moist Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with:

• Hot Cocoa: The perfect companion for holiday evenings.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Complements the warm spices in the cookies.
• Coffee or Tea: Ideal for dunking and enjoying with friends and family.

Leftovers & Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container.  The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread. If freezing, wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Other Recipes to Try

If you loved these Moist Gingerbread Cookies, try these other festive favorites:

• Easy Snowmen Cupcake Recipe – Adorable and delicious cupcakes perfect for winter gatherings.
• Apple Cinnamon Muffin Recipe – A warm and cozy treat filled with classic fall flavors.
• Potato Donuts Recipe – A unique treat that’s soft, fluffy, and perfect with coffee.

These Moist Gingerbread Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat!  The combine rich flavors with a soft, tender texture. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply indulging in a cozy moment at home, this recipe is sure to delight. Add it to your holiday traditions and enjoy the warmth and sweetness of gingerbread all season long.

Moist Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Soft, spiced gingerbread cookies with a rich molasses flavor and moist texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 24 Cookies

Equipment

• cookie cutters
• Baking Sheets

Ingredients

  

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• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup dark brown sugar packed
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream adds moisture
• 1 teaspoon orange zest optional for a subtle citrusy kick

Instructions

 

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Mix in the molasses, egg, vanilla extract, and milk or heavy cream. The cream ensures the dough stays moist.
• Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft. If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate for 1 hour to make it easier to work with.
• Preheat and Shape: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness for cut-out shapes, or scoop small mounds for round cookies.
• Bake: Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
• Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, powdered sugar, or enjoy plain!

Notes

Molasses is Key: Using dark molasses adds moisture and enhances the gingerbread flavor.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is sticky, chilling it for at least an hour will make it easier to handle and prevent over-spreading.
Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking the cookies ensures they stay soft and moist.

Keyword cookies, dessert

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