Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies – Best Spiced Cookie Recipe

The irresistible combination of warm spices and sweet white chocolate makes these Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies a must-bake for the holidays—and beyond. With crisp edges, soft centers, and an aromatic molasses-spice base, these cookies are festive, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, filling up your Christmas tins, or just craving cozy flavors, this recipe delivers perfect results every time.

Why These Cookies Are a Must-Bake

These Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies blend the classic flavor of holiday gingerbread with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate for a treat that feels both nostalgic and unique. They’re quick to make in under 30 minutes and ideal for gifting, freezing, or sharing at festive gatherings. The spiced cookie dough pairs beautifully with the rich, vanilla-forward white chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.

What sets this recipe apart is its ease and versatility. You don’t need any fancy tools or chilling time—just classic pantry staples and a love for cozy, chewy cookies.

Ingredients and Their Delicious Roles

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookies while keeping them soft and tender.
Ground Ginger: Offers a spicy kick that defines the signature gingerbread flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the spice profile.
Ground Nutmeg: Introduces a hint of sweet nuttiness and complexity.
Ground Cloves: Delivers a strong, slightly bitter note to enhance the gingerbread essence.


Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise slightly for that chewy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spice flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar: Gives sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
Brown Sugar (Packed): Brings moisture and a caramel-like molasses depth.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the white chocolate.
Molasses: The heart of any gingerbread recipe—rich, sticky, and deeply flavorful.
White Chocolate Chips: Creamy and sweet, they balance the bold spices beautifully.

Ingredient Swaps and Easy Substitutions

If you’re out of certain items or need an adjustment for dietary reasons, consider these simple swaps:

Butter Alternative: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Molasses Substitute: Mix dark corn syrup with a bit of brown sugar if you’re out of molasses.
White Chocolate Chips: Swap for dark chocolate, semi-sweet chips, or even chopped dried cranberries for a tangy twist.
Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make them gluten-free without compromising texture.
Egg Replacement: A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) works well for vegan bakers.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cookies

  1. Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air and gives the cookies a soft texture.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Add the White Chocolate Chips: Fold in the white chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Scoop and Space: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. The cookies will spread slightly during baking.
  8. Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look a bit soft. That’s how you get that chewy center!
  9. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips to Get It Just Right

To elevate your Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies, keep these pro tips in mind:

  • Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when the centers still look slightly underdone; they’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet.
  • Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly.
  • Spice Adjustment: Feel free to tweak the spice levels based on personal preference—more cinnamon for warmth, or extra ginger for zing.
  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions and Tasty Twists

These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can serve or modify them for even more festive enjoyment:

  • Serve With: Hot cocoa, chai latte, or eggnog for the ultimate holiday vibe.
  • Frosted Version: Add a drizzle of white chocolate or cream cheese icing for extra indulgence.
  • Spicy Upgrade: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper to bring heat to the spice mix.
  • Cranberry Twist: Add dried cranberries for tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
  • Mini Sandwich Cookies: Spread marshmallow fluff or white chocolate ganache between two cookies for a playful dessert.

The Spice Blend That Loves You Back

Beyond their comforting aroma, the spices in Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies also offer surprising health perks:

  • Ginger: Known for anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
  • Cinnamon: Can help regulate blood sugar and is loaded with antioxidants.
  • Cloves and Nutmeg: Both contain antibacterial properties and add warming depth.

So not only are these cookies tasty, but they also carry some sneaky good-for-you qualities.

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking up a storm for the holidays or simply craving something cozy, Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver all the warmth, spice, and sweetness you need in a single bite. They’re easy to make, wonderfully aromatic, and have just the right mix of chewy and creamy textures. The comforting blend of gingerbread spices with smooth white chocolate makes this recipe one you’ll come back to again and again—because these cookies are far too good to limit to just one season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–7 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Yes! You can make the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping to soften slightly.

Why are my cookies too flat or too puffy?

Flat cookies often result from overly soft butter or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Puffy cookies can happen if you over-measure the flour—always spoon and level flour for accuracy. Also, don’t skip the molasses, as it helps create that chewy, rich texture typical of gingerbread cookies.

More Relevant Recipes

  • Soft Gingerbread Cookies: These cookies offer a classic gingerbread flavor with a delightfully soft texture. Perfect for those who love traditional holiday spices, they’re an excellent alternative or complement to Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies.
  • Gingerbread Cupcakes – Holiday Recipe: If you love the spiced molasses flavor of gingerbread cookies, you’ll enjoy these moist and fluffy cupcakes topped with creamy frosting—ideal for festive gatherings and easy to decorate seasonally.
  • Gingerbread Cheesecake – Holiday Dessert: A rich and decadent dessert that combines the warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. This recipe is a must-try for fans of ginger-spiced treats looking to elevate their holiday dessert table.
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Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies


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  • Author: Elina
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, combining warm holiday spices with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. They are soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and incredibly easy to make in under 30 minutes—perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or cozy nights in.


Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: provides structure and softness
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger: adds spicy warmth and depth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: enhances aroma and flavor
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: adds sweet nuttiness
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves: delivers bold, warm spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda: leavening agent for rise and texture
  • ½ teaspoon salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavors
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: adds richness and moisture
  • ½ cup granulated sugar: provides sweetness and slight crispness
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed: adds moisture and molasses-like flavor
  • 1 large egg: binds ingredients and adds structure
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances the sweetness and aroma
  • ¼ cup molasses: the signature ingredient for gingerbread flavor
  • 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips: adds creamy, sweet contrast


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the white chocolate chips evenly.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Do not overbake to ensure chewy centers.
  • Use room temperature butter and egg for smooth mixing.
  • Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
  • Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 105 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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