The Best Homemade Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This gingerbread cookie recipe is a holiday favorite that’s easy to make and fun to share with loved ones. With its warm, spicy aroma and soft, chewy texture, it’s sure to become a tradition in your home.

• Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
• Perfect for decorating: Get creative with icing, sprinkles, and candy for festive fun.
• Kid-friendly: Little ones will love helping with mixing, rolling, and cutting out shapes.

Recipe

These gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic, perfect for baking with family and friends. Their warm, spiced flavor and soft texture make them a festive treat everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes: Decorate with royal icing or leave plain for a simpler treat.

Equipment: Mixing bowls, whisk, rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack.

Time: Prep time: 20 minutes, Cooking time: 10 minutes, Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling).

Cuisine: American

Serving: Makes about 24 cookies.

Nutrition

Gingerbread cookies are a delicious holiday treat, but it’s good to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my gingerbread cookies with warm spiced cider—it’s cozy, festive, and complements the spices perfectly. If I’m feeling a bit indulgent, I’ll serve them with creamy eggnog for a rich, holiday treat. Both choices make the cookies even more special and bring extra warmth to the table.

Warm Spiced Cider

When I’m pairing something with gingerbread cookies, I can’t help but think of warm spiced cider—it’s cozy, festive, and brings out all the holiday feels. The rich, comforting flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel in the cider complement the molasses and spice in the cookies perfectly. I love simmering fresh apple cider on the stove, letting the aroma fill the kitchen. It’s easy to make—just toss in the spices, let it steep, and serve warm. Sipping it while enjoying a soft gingerbread cookie feels like wrapping yourself in a holiday blanket. It’s a match made in winter heaven.

Creamy Eggnog Pairing

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a glass of creamy eggnog, but if you’re wondering what to serve alongside it, I’ve got some delicious ideas. Gingerbread cookies are a classic pairing—their warm spices and soft texture complement the rich, velvety eggnog perfectly. I also love dipping shortbread or sugar cookies for a little extra sweetness. For something savory, try pairing eggnog with cheesy crackers or mixed nuts—they balance the drink’s richness. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the eggnog. It’s a cozy, festive combo that’ll make your holiday season feel complete.