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Best Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Molasses Glaze

soft gingerbread cookies - featured image

These soft gingerbread cookies with molasses glaze are perfectly tender and chewy, with bold warm spices and a rich, smoky glaze. They’re a holiday favorite that stays soft for days and are sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and tops are crackled. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, molasses, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  10. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Let set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, chill the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The glaze can be made thinner by adding more milk, or thicker with more powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft gingerbread cookies, molasses glaze, holiday cookies, gingerbread, chewy cookies