There's nothing quite like the warm, spicy aroma of Gingerbread Cookies filling your kitchen during the holiday season. With hints of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies bring out all the cozy, festive vibes. Not only are they delicious, but they're also fun to make—perfect for decorating with family or friends.

I remember making these every December with my grandmother, and now it’s a beloved tradition in our family. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but yields a bakery-quality result, so get ready to bake up a batch of holiday cheer!

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite, and here’s why:

First, the flavor is truly unforgettable. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a taste that’s spicy, warm, and just sweet enough. It’s the perfect balance, and every bite feels like a warm hug.

These cookies are easy to make. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you don’t need any fancy equipment or expert skills. Plus, they’re easy to roll out and cut into festive shapes, so they’re ideal for baking with kids or friends.

Great for decorating. These cookies bake up firm yet soft, making them perfect for adding royal icing, sprinkles, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. They hold their shape well, so you can get creative with your designs.

Finally, they’re perfect for gifting. Package them in a decorative tin or wrap them in clear bags with a festive ribbon—they make thoughtful, homemade gifts that everyone will love.

Ready to start your new holiday tradition? Let’s dive into the ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

These gingerbread cookies come together with a handful of pantry staples, along with a few festive spices to give them that signature warmth and holiday flavor.

Flour is the base of the dough and helps the cookies hold their shape when baking. All-purpose flour works perfectly here, ensuring a tender texture without being too crumbly.
Molasses is key to getting that rich color and deep flavor. I recommend using unsulphured molasses for the best taste—it’s slightly sweeter and less bitter than blackstrap.
Brown Sugar provides just the right amount of sweetness and a slight hint of caramel. Dark brown sugar works especially well, enhancing the richness of the molasses and spices.
Spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves bring the warmth and depth that make these cookies so special. Fresh spices make a noticeable difference in flavor, so check your pantry before starting!
Butter adds richness and makes the dough easy to work with. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level, and let it soften before mixing for a smooth dough.

If you’re planning to decorate your cookies, you’ll also need some royal icing ingredients or powdered sugar for a simpler glaze. Grab a rolling pin and your favorite cookie cutters—let’s get baking!

How To Make These Gingerbread Cookies

Making these gingerbread cookies is as easy as mixing, chilling, and baking. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of perfectly spiced cookies in no time.

Start with the dough. In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the dough for a tender texture. Add in the molasses and an egg, mixing until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is well combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides.
Chill the dough. Once the dough is mixed, divide it into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without sticking.
Roll and cut. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one dough disk on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the baking sheet.
Bake. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to darken. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid over-baking if you like a softer texture. Let them cool completely before decorating.

These cookies take just about 2 hours from start to finish, including chill time, and are well worth the effort. Enjoy your beautifully decorated creations!

Storage Options

Gingerbread cookies store beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time for holiday gatherings or as gifts.

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay soft and chewy, perfect for enjoying with coffee or tea.
Freezer: You can also freeze the baked cookies. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Unbaked Dough: If you want to prep the dough ahead, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze the dough disks tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.

For best results, decorate the cookies just before gifting or serving to keep the icing fresh and vibrant.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about gingerbread cookies is how adaptable they are! Here are a few ideas to make these cookies your own:

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. This will keep the texture soft and chewy without losing the classic flavor.
Extra Spices: If you love extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of black pepper for a little extra warmth and complexity.
Crispier Cookies: For a crispier texture, roll the dough thinner, around ⅛ inch. Bake for the same time but keep an eye on them as they bake a bit faster.
Lemon Icing: Add a hint of lemon zest or lemon juice to your icing for a fresh contrast to the warm spices. This brightens up the flavor and adds a beautiful touch.
Chocolate Gingerbread: For a fun twist, add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dough. Chocolate lovers will appreciate the deeper, richer flavor with a hint of chocolate.

Feel free to experiment with other flavors, shapes, and decorations—these cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. Enjoy your gingerbread creations!