Gingerbread cookies are a must-bake for many of us when the holiday season comes around. I love making them to share with family and friends, filling my kitchen with that wonderful spicy scent.
Today, I’m excited to share five of my very best gingerbread cookie recipes with you. Get ready to find your new favorite way to enjoy this classic treat!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Classic German Gingerbread Cookies for Baking
- 2. Simple Homemade Gingerbread Cookies
- 3. Soft Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- 4. Delicious Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
- 5. Rich Glazed Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
Classic German Gingerbread Cookies for Baking
These traditional German gingerbread cookies are packed with warm spices. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Key Ingredients & Tips for German Gingerbread
- Molasses Magic: Use dark molasses for that deep, rich gingerbread color and flavor in these cookies.
- Spice Blend: A good mix of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg makes all the difference for a warm taste.
What You Need for German Gingerbread
- All-purpose flour
- Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves
- Molasses
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Baking soda
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 24 cookies
How to Make German Gingerbread
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry & Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and all the spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix the dough.
Step 3: Bake & Cool
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are firm. Let cool on a wire rack.
📝 Final Note
Store these gingerbread cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for up to a week.
Simple Homemade Gingerbread Cookies
This is my go-to recipe for basic gingerbread cookies. It’s simple, sweet, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Simple Gingerbread
- Ginger Freshness: Use fresh ground ginger for a brighter, more vibrant spice taste in your cookies.
- Chilling Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent spreading and makes cutting shapes easier.
What You Need for Simple Gingerbread
- All-purpose flour
- Ground ginger
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Molasses
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 18 cookies
How to Make Simple Gingerbread
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Mix in the egg and molasses until everything is smooth.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour and all the spices. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Roll & Bake
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 7-9 minutes.
📝 Final Note
Decorate these simple gingerbread cookies with royal icing for a festive touch once they are completely cool.
Soft Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
These gingerbread crinkle cookies have a soft, chewy center and a beautiful crackled top. They are perfect for holiday cookie platters.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Crinkle Cookies
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar for the best crinkle effect when baking.
- Soft Baking: Don’t overbake; remove them from the oven when the edges are just set but the centers are still soft and puffy.
What You Need for Gingerbread Crinkles
- All-purpose flour
- Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves
- Baking soda
- Molasses
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 20 cookies
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and molasses. Whisk in the flour, baking soda, and all spices until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for at least an hour.
Step 2: Roll in Sugar
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then heavily in powdered sugar to ensure a good coating for the crinkle effect.
Step 3: Bake
Place the sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes. Let cool slightly on the sheet before moving to a wire rack.
📝 Final Note
For an extra zing, you can add a pinch of black pepper to the spice mix in your gingerbread crinkle cookies.
Delicious Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
Gingerbread snowball cookies are tender, buttery, and melt in your mouth. They get their festive look from a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Snowball Cookies
- Nutty Goodness: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful texture and flavor to these snowballs.
- Double Dusting: Roll them in powdered sugar while warm, then again when completely cool for a perfect “snowball” coating.
What You Need for Gingerbread Snowballs
- All-purpose flour
- Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Finely chopped pecans (optional)
⏱️ Time: 50 minutes🍽️ Yields: 28 cookies
How to Make Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light. Mix in the flour, spices, and finely chopped nuts (if using) until a dough forms.
Step 2: Shape & Bake
Roll the dough into small, uniform balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom.
Step 3: Coat
While the cookies are still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll them again in powdered sugar to ensure a thick, white coating.
📝 Final Note
These gingerbread snowball cookies freeze very well; just store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
Rich Glazed Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
These glazed chocolate gingerbread cookies combine rich cocoa with classic gingerbread spices. The sweet glaze adds a lovely finish.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chocolate Gingerbread
- Quality Cocoa: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor that balances the spices in these cookies.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze with a little extra milk or powdered sugar to get a smooth, pourable consistency that coats evenly.
What You Need for Glazed Chocolate Gingerbread
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves
- Baking soda
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Egg
- Powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Milk (for glaze)
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 22 cookies
How to Make Glazed Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
Step 1: Make Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing well. Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and spices until just combined.
Step 2: Bake Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
Step 3: Prepare & Glaze
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with a little milk in a small bowl until smooth. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Let the glaze set before serving.
📝 Final Note
For extra sparkle, sprinkle a tiny bit of edible gold dust on the wet glaze of your chocolate gingerbread cookies right after dipping.
