Easy Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for Christmas
Soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies with the perfect balance of molasses and spice—ideal for decorating, gifting, and holiday baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup packed brown sugar
⅔ cup molasses
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
-
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
-
Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla.
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
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Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
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Divide dough, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
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Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into shapes and place on sheets.
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Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set.
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Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
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Once cooled, decorate as desired.
Notes
Chill dough to prevent spreading.
Don’t overbake if you want soft cookies.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.