Name: Soft Ginger Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup molasses; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for filling); 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling); 1 tbsp milk (for filling, more as needed)

Why You’ll Love Soft Ginger Cookies Recipe

These cookies are delightfully soft with slightly chewy edges and rich gingerbread flavor. They’re easy to make, perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, and taste even better than store-bought versions. The combination of molasses and aromatic spices gives them a festive warmth that everyone will love.

Ingredients

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

butter at room temperature
packed light brown sugar
granulated sugar
large egg at room temperature
molasses
all-purpose flour
ground ginger
baking soda
cinnamon
ground cloves
pumpkin pie spice
salt
coarse sugar

Directions

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

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

Scoop the dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each) and roll in the coarse sugar to coat.

Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 3 inches apart.

Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

Bake the cookies until the edges are just golden, about 10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a cooling rack.

Servings and timing

Yield: about 30 cookies
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Bake time: about 10 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes

Variations

Less spice: Reduce the amount of pumpkin pie spice or cloves if you prefer a milder flavor.

Decorated: Dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate and add holiday sprinkles.

Drizzle: Drizzle white chocolate over cooled cookies for a sweet finish.

Extra chew: Slightly underbake for softer centers.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days to keep them soft. If you want to warm them, heat gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes or microwave briefly until warm.

FAQs

What makes these cookies soft instead of crispy?

The combination of molasses and the specific ratio of sugars helps keep the cookies tender and chewy.

Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling improves texture and flavor, but if you’re pressed for time you can bake without chilling; the cookies may spread more.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes — freeze the dough balls before baking. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I use dark molasses instead of regular?

Regular molasses works best for balanced sweetness; dark molasses will give a stronger, slightly bitter flavor.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes — substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum, measuring cup for cup.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes — this recipe scales down easily if you need fewer cookies.

Do these cookies spread a lot?

Chilling the dough helps reduce spreading. If they spread too much, chill longer.

Can I add other spices?

Absolutely — a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add extra warmth.

How do I keep cookies soft longer?

Store with a slice of bread in the container; the moisture from the bread helps keep cookies soft.

Conclusion

These soft ginger cookies are a fantastic addition to your holiday baking lineup. Easy to make and full of cozy spice flavor, they’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. With simple ingredients and delightful texture, this classic cookie recipe will become a seasonal favorite.