Name: Gingerbread Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup water; royal icing; candies for decorating

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Sweet and spicy, these soft, chewy, moist gingerbread cookies are perfect for holiday baking and decorating at Christmas.

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5 from 1 vote

In our family, we make these old-fashioned gingerbread cookies every Christmas. A handful of ingredients form a delicious dough that’s the best for cutting, baking and decorating!

Want more gingerbread recipes? We love this gingerbread fudge and these yummy gingerbread truffles. Take a peek at these Christmas cookie recipes for more ideas!

SEE ALSO: Pinwheels | PB Balls | Cinnamon Roll Cookies | PB Cookie Cups

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies

1/4 cup butter room temperature
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
royal icing
candies for decorating

PRO TIP: Make sure to soften your butter ahead of time. Room temperature butter helps these cookies be light and fluffy!

Tools (Affiliate Links): Wilton Piping Tips | Cookie Cutters | Silicone Baking Mat

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies

STEP ONE: In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Pour in molasses and vanilla and mix well.

STEP TWO: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

STEP THREE: Add the dry mix into the butter mixture a half cup at a time, alternating between water and dry ingredients. Wrap the bowl in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour or overnight.

STEP FOUR: Roll half the dough out onto a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Use the cookie cutter to cut out shapes.

STEP FIVE: Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

STEP SIX: Move to a wire rack and let cool completely. Decorate with royal icing and candies.

Homemade Royal Icing

Ingredients for Royal Icing

3 tablespoons meringue powder
4 cups powder sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
¾ cups water

PRO TIP: You can also add a few drops of food coloring in to create colors in your icing.

How to Make Royal Icing

STEP ONE: In a stand mixer, add meringue powder and powdered sugar, then add vanilla and turn the mixer on low.

STEP TWO: Pour in a half cup of water. Turn the mixer on high until it starts to increase in volume, then add a tablespoon of water at a time until the frosting falls from the whisk in a slow stream. I added another 2 tablespoons of water until my frosting was perfect.

STEP THREE: Place in a piping bag with a small round tip.

PRO TIP: I suggest using a #2 or #3 tip for this cookie decorating project!

These old-fashioned cinnamon ornaments are another awesome project to do with your family during the holidays.

Decorating Ideas

Besides royal icing and sprinkles, you could use one of these ideas for your cookies:

M&M’S
Red Hots
colored sugar
powdered sugar
melted dark chocolate
melted white chocolate

storing your cookies

IN THE FRIDGE: This recipe will last for about a week in an airtight container on the counter. If your cookies start to get hard, you can pop a piece of bread in the container with them to help soften them again.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze gingerbread cookies bu you’ll want to freeze them before decorating. To freeze, place them on a cookie sheet until frozen, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.

NOTE: You can also freeze the dough until you’re ready to thaw and bake later.

Filled with sugar, molasses, vanilla, and spices, these classic homemade soft gingerbread cookies are sure to be a holiday favorite. You’ll love their sweet and spicy flavor.

More Christmas Recipes We Love:

Plus, we love these Christmas candy recipes!