Quick & Easy Christmas Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

When Christmas calls, there's no better way to answer than with a plate full of warm gingerbread cookies that are spiced and decorated just right. You know how it makes you feel warm and emotional when you put up the tree or watch your favorite holiday movie? That's exactly how these cookies taste. This recipe will make your kitchen smell like Christmas. The cookies are soft, chewy, and full of the right mix of spices.

This is the only gingerbread cookie recipe you'll ever need, so get a rolling pin and some sprinkles ready. These cookies are fun to create, easy to make, and even better to eat. They're great for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just spending time with your family. Also, everyone loves a kitchen that smells like Christmas!

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are easy to make, full of flavor, and ready for your creative touch. They're perfect for the holidays, and there is no wrong way to create them. You can go with traditional gingerbread people or try something new with stars, snowflakes, or even little holiday trees. You can even get the kids involved, but be ready for lots of laughs and icing on their fingers!

The Secret to the Best Gingerbread Cookies

The magic is in the molasses! It gives these cookies their deep, rich taste and the perfect chewy texture that makes your mouth water. Remember the spices, though. The stars of the show here are ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. When you mix them together, you get that warm, cozy taste that makes you want to curl up in a blanket with a book and a hot chocolate!

Zulay Says: Don't bake it for too long! Watch them carefully in the oven so they stay soft and chewy. They might not look quite done when you take them out, but they will get firmer as they cool. When you trust the process, you'll be glad you did!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 10 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsulfured molasses

For the Icing:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons water or milk
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Christmas Gingerbread Cookies?

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Set your trays aside and get ready to fill your kitchen with all those cozy holiday aromas.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This spice blend is the heart of your gingerbread cookies, bringing all the warm, festive flavors we love. Set this fragrant mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Add Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for that soft, tender texture, so take your time! Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Pour in the molasses and blend until the dough is smooth and perfectly spiced.

Step 4: Combine and Roll the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. It might look a little crumbly at first, but keep mixing—it will come together! Using bench scraper, divide the dough into two parts and roll each one out between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼ inch thick. This trick keeps the dough from sticking and makes it super easy to handle.

Step 5: Chill and Cut Out Cookies

Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet and pop it into the freezer for 6 to 8 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to cut into those classic gingerbread shapes. Grab your favorite cookie cutters—gingerbread men, stars, snowflakes, or whatever sparks joy—and cut out your cookies. Leave the cutouts on the parchment; they’re ready to bake right where they are.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Carefully transfer the parchment with your cookie cutouts onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges are set but not too browned. Remember, a little underbaked is perfect—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off!

Step 7: Make the Icing and Decorate

While your cookies cool, it’s time to whip up the icing. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of water or milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and slightly thick but still pipe-able. If needed, adjust with a bit more liquid. Fill a piping bag with a small round tip and unleash your inner artist! Decorate with icing, sprinkles, candy eyes, or edible glitter—go as classic or creative as you like.

Step 8: Let Them Dry, Serve, and Store

Allow your beautifully decorated cookies to dry completely before serving or storing them in an airtight container. Trust me, the wait is worth it—these cookies will be the star of your holiday table!

Pro Tips for Decorating Like a Pro

You can do anything you want when it comes to decorating. It's always a winner to use royal icing, but don't stop there! You can add sparkle to your icing with sprinkles or even small candies for eyes and buttons. The gel-based food coloring will make your icing stand out. For extra fun, try adding some edible glitter. After all, Christmas is the time to go all out!

Let Us Know What You Think!

We want to hear from you! Did these cookies bring some extra joy to your holiday season? Share your tips and decoration ideas, or just let us know how much you loved the recipe in the comments below. And if you tried a fun twist, like adding a different spice or extra decorations, tell us all about it—we’re here for all the gingerbread gossip!

Hungry for More?

If you loved these cookies (and let’s be honest, how could you not?), check out some of our other festive favorites. We’ve got everything from classic sugar cookies to decadent hot chocolate recipes that pair perfectly with these gingerbread delights.

Spread the Holiday Cheer!

Know someone who would love this recipe? Don’t keep the holiday magic to yourself—share this post on social media, tag @ZulayKitchen, and let’s spread the #kitchenhappiness far and wide. Because nothing says Christmas like sharing delicious treats with the ones you love!