Chewy Gingerbread Cookie

Chewy Gingerbread Cookie is the answer for every baker who craves that nostalgic spiced holiday flavor paired with a soft, delightful chew.

If you’re tired of dry, crisp gingerbread cookies that promise festive joy but deliver disappointment, this recipe melts in your mouth and fills the kitchen with cozy aromas.

After years of perfecting comfort-food favorites at dishfoody.com, I’m sharing this no-fail approach complete with ingredient tips, prep secrets, simple baking steps, and creative twists—so you bake cookies with confidence and joy every time.

Why This Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and molasses
• Chilling dough ensures maximum tenderness and optimal shape
• Perfect for holiday baking, cookie swaps, or anytime comfort

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chewy Gingerbread Cookie

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

Softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar lock in chewiness and flavor. Molasses provides classic gingerbread richness. A blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves adds warmth and depth.

Buying Tips

Select high-quality molasses and fresh, aromatic spices for the best flavor. Use real unsalted butter for melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Substitutions

Swap butter for vegan margarine and use flax eggs if dairy- or egg-free. Add orange zest for a citrus twist.

Ingredients & Prep for Chewy Gingerbread Cookie

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for softness)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Granulated sugar for rolling

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chewy Gingerbread Cookie

Pre-Cooking Prep

Cream softened butter and brown sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.

Cooking Method

1. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined (don’t overmix for best chewiness).
3. Cover and chill dough at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, for the best texture.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets.
5. Bake 12–14 minutes for large cookies, 8–10 minutes for smaller—edges should look set, but centers will still be soft.

Doneness Check

Cookies are done when they spring back to the touch but still look slightly under-baked in the center. They’ll finish setting as they cool.

Resting

Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chewy Gingerbread Cookie

• Chill dough thoroughly for thicker, chewier cookies
• Don’t overbake; remove when edges look set but centers are soft
• Roll in extra sugar for a pretty, crackled exterior and extra texture

Flavor Variations for Chewy Gingerbread Cookie

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of black pepper or extra ginger for more heat.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour, coconut oil, and a sugar substitute for a lower-carb treat.

Global Flavors

• Scandinavian: Add cardamom and use lingonberry jam on top
• Mediterranean: Incorporate ground anise and lemon zest
• Asian: Stir in matcha or ground coriander

Serving Suggestions for Chewy Gingerbread Cookie

Pair with a mug of hot cocoa or chai tea. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream, or pack for holiday gifts.

FAQs for Chewy Gingerbread Cookie

• Can I freeze the dough? Yes freeze for up to three months, bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
• Can I make them in advance? Dough and baked cookies keep beautifully for days.
• Are these kid-friendly? Absolutely, sweet and soft with familiar holiday spices.

Conclusion

Chewy Gingerbread Cookie brings together cozy spice and luscious texture for irresistible treats the whole family will love. For more festive favorites, see dishfoody.com and try our Biscoff Cookie Butter Cinnamon Rolls next!

Chewy Gingerbread Cookie

Print Recipe

Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced Gingerbread Cookies that capture all the cozy flavors of the holidays molasses, ginger, and cinnamon in every delicious bite.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Treats
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

• 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• 2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• 3. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
• 4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
• 5. Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• 6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• 7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in granulated sugar.
• 8. Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart and bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft.
• 9. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

• For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the tray.
• Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• You can drizzle with white chocolate or royal icing for a festive touch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: chewy gingerbread cookies, soft molasses cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking