Gingerbread Cookies with Ginger Glaze – Easy Soft-Batch Recipe

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and heartwarming about biting into a soft, spiced cookie during the holidays. These Gingerbread Cookies with Ginger Glaze are the ultimate festive treat—pillowy soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a ginger-infused glaze that adds an extra burst of holiday flavor. This easy, family-friendly recipe brings together classic ingredients like molasses, cinnamon, and ginger for cookies that will quickly become a seasonal staple. Whether you’re making a batch for a cookie exchange or cozying up with a warm drink, these cookies deliver comforting cheer in every bite.

Soft and Chewy Holiday Perfection

These Gingerbread Cookies with Ginger Glaze are a soft batch twist on the holiday classic. Instead of the traditional crisp texture, they’re moist, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—thanks to the addition of butter and molasses. What makes them even better? The cookies can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and even vegan. That makes them an inclusive treat perfect for holiday gatherings, school parties, or as edible gifts for friends and neighbors.

Unlike many labor-intensive gingerbread recipes, this one is simple and quick. The dough comes together in one bowl and doesn’t require chilling. They’re baked in just 10 minutes, and the warm ginger glaze can be added once they cool—creating a beautiful, crackled glaze that adds both visual appeal and spicy-sweet flavor.

Ingredients That Make These Cookies Special

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and keeps the cookies soft. Vegan butter works well too.
• Granulated Sugar: Used in the dough and to roll the cookie balls, adding sweetness and a light crunch.
• Egg or Flax Egg: Binds the dough. A flax egg makes this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Molasses: The star ingredient that gives gingerbread its deep, rich flavor and signature chewiness.
• All-Purpose Flour or Gluten-Free Flour: Versatile for any diet. Gluten-free flour works seamlessly.
• Ground Ginger: The defining spice in gingerbread, bringing warmth and zest.
• Ground Cinnamon: Enhances the ginger and adds aromatic depth.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve their soft texture.
• Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.

For the Ginger Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the glaze for a silky, sweet finish.
• Ground Ginger: Infuses the glaze with bold ginger flavor.
• Water: Thins out the glaze to the right consistency.

Ingredient Swaps & Customizations

Flexible Substitutions for Any Pantry

• Vegan Butter Instead of Dairy Butter: Perfect for plant-based bakers.
• Flax Egg for Traditional Egg: Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp water to replace one egg.
• Blackstrap Molasses Alternatives: If unavailable, use regular molasses, though it may slightly alter the taste.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a slightly nuttier and more nutritious twist.
• Coconut Sugar Instead of Granulated: For a deeper caramel flavor and lower glycemic option.
• Orange Zest: Add a pinch to the dough or glaze for a citrusy lift.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the egg (or flax egg) and molasses, then mix until fully incorporated.
4. Add the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and sea salt. Mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.
5. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and coat each ball in granulated sugar.
6. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
7. Bake for 10 minutes. Cookies should be set but still soft in the center.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool on the tray for 15–20 minutes. They will continue to set as they cool.
9. While the cookies cool, make the ginger glaze:
   • In a small bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, and 3 tablespoons water. Mix until smooth.
10. Once cookies are cooled, dip each cookie halfway into the glaze or drizzle over the top.
11. Place on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray until the glaze sets.
12. Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Tips & Tricks for Bakery-Level Results

• Don’t overbake: These cookies should look slightly underbaked when you pull them out. They firm up as they cool.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: Ensures even mixing and better texture.
• Roll evenly sized dough balls: Helps them bake uniformly.
• Let them cool before glazing: The glaze will run off if cookies are too warm.
• Adjust glaze consistency: Too thick? Add a drop of water. Too thin? Add more powdered sugar.

Pairings, Add-Ons & Holiday Variations

• Serve with: Hot apple cider, chai latte, or classic hot cocoa for the coziest holiday combo.
• Add-ins: Try folding in mini white chocolate chips or chopped crystallized ginger for texture and flavor contrast.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the dough for a sweet-heat version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies stay just as soft and chewy.
• Make Ahead: Prepare dough in advance and refrigerate up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Why Gingerbread Belongs on Every Holiday Table

These Gingerbread Cookies with Ginger Glaze embody everything we love about holiday baking—aroma, nostalgia, comfort, and crowd-pleasing flavor. Ginger is known not only for its bold taste but also for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a festive ingredient with functional benefits. The molasses adds depth and warmth, creating a cookie that feels like a hug from the inside out.

As part of a cookie platter or wrapped as edible gifts, these soft batch gingerbread cookies with their glossy glaze are guaranteed to impress and delight. Plus, with the ability to adjust the recipe for dietary needs, they’re a universally loved holiday treat.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Cookies with Ginger Glaze offer everything you crave in a holiday dessert—sweet, spiced, soft, and visually stunning. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for an easy holiday recipe, this one checks all the boxes: simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and unbeatable flavor. Plus, the glossy ginger glaze elevates each bite into something truly special.

Perfect for cookie swaps, festive dessert tables, or cozy nights by the fire, these cookies are destined to become a family favorite. And with options to make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan, no one has to miss out on the festive cheer. Don’t just bake cookies—create warm holiday memories with every soft, gingery bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting: These soft pumpkin cookies are topped with a luscious cinnamon frosting, making them a cozy, spiced dessert perfect for fall and winter. Their warm spices and tender crumb make them an excellent companion to Gingerbread Cookies with Ginger Glaze.
• Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Featuring the comforting flavor of pumpkin and a cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies offer a soft, chewy texture with a seasonal twist. They’re ideal for those who love warm spice-forward cookies like gingerbread.
• Apple Crisp Cookies – Fall Treat: These cookies blend classic apple pie flavors with the crunch of a crisp topping, offering a delightful textural contrast. They share the same comforting, cozy vibe as traditional ginger-spiced cookies, making them a festive favorite.

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