Do you need a simple recipe for delicious, soft gingerbread cookies? We have one that will make you lick your fingers. The taste is as good as the traditional cookies. Let’s get to it!
There are different textures of gingerbread cookies, which are known for their spicy smell and delicious taste. But soft gingerbread cookies are the best because they are soft, moist, and melt in your mouth. The secret is not only in the ingredients but also in how it is baked.
Table of Contents
How To Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Let’s not waste time and start with our recipe.
Ingredients for the cookies
- All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups
- Molasses: ½ cup
- Brown sugar: ¾ cup
- Soft butter: 1 stick (leave it out of the fridge)
- Spice mix (ginger, cinnamon, cloves): 1-2 teaspoons each
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- One large egg
- Vanilla (optional): 1 teaspoon
Ingredients for the icing
- Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar): 1 cup
- Milk or water: 1-2 tablespoons
Not sure where to find some ingredients? Here you are: Sephra
Step-by-Step Instructions
There are three stages to making this easy recipe.
Mixing the Dough
Step 1: Cream the butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until they are light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the molasses to the mixture, followed by the egg and the vanilla. Do this while mixing.
Step 3: Mix the flour, baking soda, and spices in a separate bowl and gradually add them to the mixture until you have a smooth and pliable dough. Use a spatula or your hands for this step because you might end up breaking your mixer. Don’t overmix the dough to maintain its softness!
Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
Step 4: Seal the dough properly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 4 hours. Chilling it will retain its softness and make it more manageable for rolling and shaping.
Step 5: Once chilled, use cookie cutters to create the desired shapes from the dough. Carefully lift and place these shaped cookies onto a baking sheet, and leave even spaces for baking.
Baking Process for Softness
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes (+/- 1 minute). Make sure that the color is medium brown and slightly darker at the edges. Don’t overcook them!
Icing For Soft Gingerbread Cookies
While your soft gingerbread cookies are cooling down, you can make the icing.
Step 1: Sift the powdered sugar into a mixing bowl to make sure it’s smooth and free of lumps.
Step 2: Add small amounts of milk or water to the powdered sugar, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth and desired consistency. Add the liquid slowly to avoid making the icing too runny.
Once you’ve reached the desired consistency, use your imagination to decorate your soft gingerbread cookies. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing the cookies.
Tips
- Bake cookies of the same size together for uniform baking.
- You can store the cookies in a sealed container for one week, but they’re best served freshly made.
- Make the icing decoration with family members so everyone can have some fun.
Enjoy your soft gingerbread cookies and check out this recipe if you like Edible Cookie Dough.
FAQs
Can I substitute molasses with another sweetener?
While molasses adds depth to the flavor and texture, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
How long do soft gingerbread cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they can keep their softness for up to a week.
Can I freeze gingerbread cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough in a wrapped ball or flattened disc.
What makes soft gingerbread cookies soft?
The balance of moisture, the right blend of ingredients, and proper baking time contribute to their softness.
Can I decorate soft gingerbread cookies with royal icing?
Yes, royal icing works well for decorating, but the cookies need to be completely cooled before decorating.
Can I use food coloring for the icing of the soft gingerbread cookies?
Yes. Feel free to color your icing and make beautiful decorations.
