🍪 Ginger Cookies: Warm, Spicy, and Irresistibly Chewy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,460 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a perfectly baked ginger cookie. One bite transports you straight to a cozy kitchen, filled with the aroma of warming spices and pure holiday joy. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a symphony of flavors – a crackly, sugar-dusted exterior yielding to a gloriously soft and chewy center, bursting with the delightful zing of ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of cloves. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or brightening a brisk afternoon, these Ginger Cookies are pure bliss, a taste of nostalgia and warmth in every single chew.

Quick Glance

* ⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes
* 🍽️ Servings: 36 cookies
* 💥 Vibe: Spicy, Chewy, Comforting

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Ginger Cookies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for these magical cookies is the first step to filling your home with the most incredible aromas. You likely have most of these pantry staples already!

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar (plus ¼ cup for rolling)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Ginger Cookies

Let’s get baking! This process is so simple and rewarding, promising a batch of heartwarming goodness in no time.

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until perfectly blended. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps prevent spreading and deepens the flavors.
6. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish for rolling.
7. Roll the Cookies: Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons and roll each piece into a small ball. Roll each dough ball generously in the granulated sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated.
8. Bake: Place the sugar-coated balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. They will puff up and then crinkle beautifully.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They firm up as they cool.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These Ginger Cookies are fantastic on their own, but a little creativity can elevate them even further!

• Lemon Zest Zing: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the warm spices.
• Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips or chunks with the dry ingredients for an extra decadent treat.
• Candied Ginger Power: For an even more intense ginger kick, finely chop ¼ cup of candied ginger and mix it into the dough.
• Orange Glaze Delight: Once cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of orange juice for a beautiful finish.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for an incredible dessert experience.

Reviews

These cookies always bring smiles! Here’s what some of our amazing readers have said:

Emma R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I made these for a holiday party, and they were the absolute first thing to disappear! Everyone raved about how perfectly chewy and spicy they were. A new family favorite for sure!”

David T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve tried so many ginger cookie recipes, and this one is hands down the best. The instructions are clear, and the cookies turn out beautiful and delicious every single time. My kids love helping me roll them in sugar!”

Sophia L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The aroma alone while these are baking is worth making them! They are truly irresistible – that perfect crinkly top and soft middle. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you bake the most perfect Ginger Cookies!

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, chilling the dough for longer often results in even more flavorful cookies.

Q: What if I don’t have molasses?
A: Molasses is key to the deep flavor and chewiness of ginger cookies. While you can substitute with dark corn syrup in a pinch, the flavor won’t be quite as rich. It’s highly recommended to use molasses for the authentic taste!

Q: How do I store leftover cookies?
A: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

Conclusion

There you have it, my dear bakers! A recipe that’s more than just ingredients and steps – it’s an invitation to create warmth, joy, and delicious memories. These Ginger Cookies are truly a hug in cookie form, perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring a quiet moment. Don’t hesitate to dive into your kitchen and let the comforting magic of these spices fill your home. Happy baking, and may your cookies always be perfectly crinkled and wonderfully chewy!

Recipe Note

For those beautifully crinkled tops, make sure your oven is fully preheated and don’t overcrowd the baking sheets, allowing each cookie plenty of space to spread and create those signature cracks.