Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Soft Iced Gingerbread Cookies
DessertsMedium

Soft Iced Gingerbread Cookies

From the Blog Author

This Soft Iced Gingerbread Cookies recipe is pure nostalgia for me; it immediately transports me back to chilly afternoons spent baking with my family. There’s just nothing better than that warm, spicy hug cookie, and these truly deliver. What I adore most is the texture—they stay incredibly soft under that perfect, slightly crisp layer of simple vanilla icing. Unlike those hard, snapping gingerbreads, these are chewy, rich with molasses and ginger, and so easy to work with, which is exactly what we need here at Fast Dessert Recipes. To make sure they stay perfectly soft every single time, my biggest tip is not to overmix the dough once the flour goes in. Just combine it until it barely comes together, and you’ll have heaven-sent cookies. Seriously, if you’re looking for a holiday classic that skips the fuss and delivers on cozy flavor, you have to give these a try right now. I hope you love making (and eating!) these as much as my household does. Let me know how they turn out when you make them!
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
11 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 3/4 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • powdered sugar
  • half-and-half, heavy cream, or milk

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2

In a medium bowl, mix all the dry ingredients.

3

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale.

4

Add the egg, mix well, then add the molasses and mix again.

5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.

6

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes.

8

While cookies cool, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.

9

Slowly whisk in powdered sugar until a thick paste forms.

10

Thin the frosting by gradually adding half-and-half, heavy cream, or milk until a drizzling consistency is reached.

11

Drizzle or dip the cooled cookies and top with your favorite holiday sprinkles.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

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• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I properly store my Soft Iced Gingerbread Cookies to keep them fresh?

Once completely cooled, store your Soft Iced Gingerbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay deliciously soft for up to one week when stored correctly. Avoid refrigeration, as this can sometimes cause the cookies to dry out faster.

Can I make the dough for these soft gingerbread cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the dough in advance! After mixing, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling and baking. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before proceeding with the 350°F baking instructions.

What is the secret to ensuring these gingerbread cookies stay soft and don't become crunchy?

The key to soft gingerbread lies in the balance of wet ingredients, particularly the 1/3 cup of molasses, and not overbaking. Bake them only until the edges are set, which should be around 11 minutes at 350°F; they should still look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them.