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Festive Soft Gingerbread Cookies You’ll Love

Bake soft, spiced gingerbread cookies for a festive holiday treat. Perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, and sharing with family and friends.
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Course Dessert
Cuisine amercian, holiday baking

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup molasses unsulphured
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
  • Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  • Add wet ingredients: Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla until well combined.
  • Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Shape & coat: Roll dough into walnut-sized balls, then roll in extra sugar. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
  • Bake: 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly soft.
  • Cool: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack

Notes

📊 Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)

  • Calories: 144
  • Carbs: 21g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Protein: 2g
  • For extra holiday flair, drizzle with icing or decorate with royal icing once cooled.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; they stay soft!
  • Dough can be chilled for 30 minutes for easier shaping.