Gingerbread Cookies Spiced Molasses Frosting

Name: Gingerbread Cookies Spiced Molasses Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

Delight in the warm spices and sweet molasses of these festive gingerbread cookies, perfectly topped with a spiced molasses frosting.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-25T19:26:27.940Z

These gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic, filled with the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. The spiced frosting adds a delightful touch, making them perfect for festive gatherings.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Warm, aromatic spices that evoke holiday cheer
Soft and chewy texture paired with a creamy frosting
Perfect for sharing or decorating your festive table

      

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Gingerbread cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a tradition that brings warmth and joy to the holiday season. The combination of spices, including ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma, evoking memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. These soft and chewy cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for sharing with loved ones, making them an ideal addition to any holiday cookie platter.

When you take a bite of these gingerbread cookies, you’re greeted with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The rich molasses adds depth to the flavor, ensuring that each cookie is satisfying and indulgent. Plus, the spiced molasses frosting adds a creamy texture that complements the cookies beautifully, making for a delightful contrast that you won’t be able to resist.

A Fun Baking Activity

Baking gingerbread cookies is not just about the end result; it's about the experience. Gather your family or friends and turn the kitchen into a festive workshop. Rolling out the dough and cutting it into fun shapes can be a joyful activity, especially for children who love to decorate their creations with frosting and sprinkles. This recipe is a wonderful way to create lasting memories while enjoying the fruits of your labor together.

Additionally, the cookies can be personalized for your holiday celebrations. Whether you choose to decorate them with intricate designs or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, each cookie can reflect your personal style. This makes them a great option for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your gingerbread cookies are baked and frosted, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the unfrosted cookies; simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw and frost them as desired.

For serving, these cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa, making them a perfect snack for chilly winter evenings. You can even use them as a festive decoration for your holiday table or as unique gifts for friends and family. With their delightful flavors and charming presentation, these gingerbread cookies are sure to impress everyone who tries them.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies

For the Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg

For the Spiced Molasses Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well incorporated.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for easier rolling.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Let cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in molasses, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger.

Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or spatula to apply the spiced molasses frosting. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy your delicious gingerbread cookies!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of molasses should I use for these cookies? For the best flavor, use unsulfured molasses, which is sweeter and has a smoother taste compared to sulfured varieties. This choice enhances the overall richness of the cookies and complements the spices beautifully.

Can I make these cookies in advance? Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. You can also bake the cookies in advance and frost them closer to when you plan to serve them. This makes them a convenient option for busy holiday schedules.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with the spices in this recipe. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Alternatively, you can substitute some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture while still keeping the flavor intact.

For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough before baking. These additions can offer a delightful surprise in every bite, making your gingerbread cookies unique and memorable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may change the texture slightly.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Freeze the dough for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

→ What other spices can I add?

Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or allspice for added flavor.