Irresistible Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Ultimate Holiday Treats

Ah, gingerbread cookies! Just saying the name conjures up memories of warm, cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen, every surface dusted with flour and the intoxicating scent of spices wafting through the air. There’s something about that deep, rich combination of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon that warms my heart every single time. I remember as a kid sneaking a couple from the cooling rack — the outside crisp and the inside delightfully chewy, reminding me that the best things come in small packages.

Whether it’s the holidays, the cold months, or just a simple craving for something sweet, these Chewy Gingerbread Cookies always bring a smile to my face. So, grab your aprons and let’s get baking together. It’s time to make the dough that will fill your home with the aromas of nostalgia and festive cheer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make — perfect for all skill levels!
• Rich in flavor, thanks to the spices and dark molasses.
• They stay chewy for days, making them ideal for snacks or gifts!
• Versatile — perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a magical batch of Chewy Gingerbread Cookies:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup molasses (dark or light, depending on your preference)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Granulated sugar, for rolling

Tip: Using fresh spices will elevate your cookies to a whole new level. If you can, stick to whole spices and grind them yourself!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and toasty for your cookies.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. It should smell like a warm hug at this point!
3. Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until it’s creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar left!
4. Add molasses and egg: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. It’ll look a little like thick, rich chocolate sauce, and oh boy, can you taste it already?
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix! You want that soft, chewy texture.
6. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape as they bake.
7. Shape the cookies: Once your dough is chilled, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Then, roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This gives that lovely sparkle on the outside!
8. Bake: Pop those beauties into the oven for about 8-10 minutes. They’ll look puffy when they come out but will settle into that chewy goodness as they cool.
9. Cool and enjoy: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now, let’s have some fun with these cookies! Here are some of my favorite twists to make these Chewy Gingerbread Cookies uniquely yours:

• Extra spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warming hug or even a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick!
• Choco-Gingerbread: Add half a cup of chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to the dough for a delicious contrast.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just check the blend has xanthan gum included.
• Decorations: Once cooled, ice them with royal icing or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Serving Suggestions

These Chewy Gingerbread Cookies shine on their own, but they can also be paired beautifully with a cozy cup of tea or rich coffee. Imagine curling up on the couch with a few cookies and a warm blanket, looking out at a winter wonderland — bliss! You can also serve them at holiday gatherings on a festive platter. Add some colorful sprinkles, or arrange them with cinnamon sticks and dried oranges for a lovely presentation.

Storage Tips

So you’ve baked a fabulous batch of cookies, and now you want to keep them fresh? No worries! Here’s how:

• Room temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. They’ll stay soft and chewy!
• Freezing: If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the uncooked dough for up to 3 months! Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once solid, pop them into a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Reheating: If you have leftovers, briefly warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use light molasses instead of dark?

Absolutely! Light molasses will result in slightly milder flavor cookies, but they’ll still be delicious. If you love that robust taste, stick with dark molasses!

What’s the best way to roll the cookies in sugar?

To get the perfect sugary coating, roll the dough balls in sugar just before placing them on the baking sheet. The sugar will stick nicely and create that lovely sparkle on baked cookies!

Why did my cookies flatten out?

If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the dough being too soft (maybe it didn’t chill long enough) or the oven being too hot. Just make sure to refrigerate the dough and be mindful of your oven’s temperature!

Can I add frosting to these cookies?

Absolutely! A simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting adds a delightful touch. Just allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friend! Your new favorite recipe for Chewy Gingerbread Cookies, brimming with festive cheer and wonderful memories. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing these delightful treats as I do. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just the simple pleasure of a homemade snack. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so feel free to leave a comment or share your own gingerbread stories. Happy baking!

Irresistible Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Ultimate Holiday Treats

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Enjoy these chewy gingerbread cookies the ultimate holiday treat Perfect for festive gatherings theyre sure to delight everyone this season 152 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon of ground ginger

1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon of ground cloves

¾ teaspoon of baking soda

½ teaspoon of salt

¾ cup of unsalted butter, softened

1 cup of packed brown sugar

½ cup of molasses

1 large egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Granulated sugar, for rolling

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth.

Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 8-10 minutes.

Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Delightfully chewy gingerbread cookies rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24 cookies
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 11g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1.5g

Keywords: gingerbread cookies, chewy cookies, holiday cookies, cookie recipe