Name: Soft Chewy Ginger Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 260 g plain flour (all-purpose flour); 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt; 113 g unsalted butter, room temperature; 150 g light brown sugar; ¼ cup treacle (85 g); 1 large egg; 55 g crystallised ginger, finely chopped; ⅓ cup demerara sugar (turbinado sugar) for rolling

Why You’ll Love Soft Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe

These ginger cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spice flavor. The combination of ground ginger, cloves, and crystallised ginger creates a deep, cozy taste, while the demerara sugar coating adds a delightful crunch. They are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

260 g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
113 g unsalted butter, room temperature
150 g light brown sugar
¼ cup treacle
1 large egg
55 g crystallised ginger, finely chopped
⅓ cup demerara sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / 160°C fan forced. Line two large baking sheets with baking paper.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk well to combine.

In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and treacle with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the egg and beat until fully combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until almost combined. Stir in the finely chopped crystallised ginger until evenly distributed.

Scoop about 3 teaspoons of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball in demerara sugar.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking trays about 1 to 2 inches apart.

Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, being careful not to overbake. Let the cookies cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 38 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 9 minutes
Total time: 24 minutes

Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate for a richer dessert. If you prefer a milder ginger flavor, reduce the crystallised ginger slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm the cookies in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds or place them in a low oven for a few minutes to soften slightly.

FAQs

Why are my ginger cookies hard instead of soft?

Overbaking is usually the cause. Remove the cookies when the centers still look slightly soft.

Can I use molasses instead of treacle?

Yes, molasses works well as a substitute and provides a similar rich flavor.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking for up to 2 months.

What does crystallised ginger add to the cookies?

It adds bursts of sweet and spicy ginger flavor along with a chewy texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking.

Why roll the cookies in demerara sugar?

The sugar coating adds crunch and sparkle while enhancing the sweetness.

Can I make the cookies larger?

Yes, but you may need to increase the baking time by 1 to 2 minutes.

How do I keep the cookies chewy?

Store them in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, dark brown sugar will create a deeper molasses flavor.

Are these cookies good for holiday baking?

Absolutely. Their warm spice flavor makes them a classic holiday favorite.

Conclusion

Soft chewy ginger cookies are rich, cozy, and full of warming spice. With their tender centers, crisp sugary coating, and bursts of crystallised ginger, they make a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with tea, coffee, or as part of a holiday cookie tray, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.