Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze : The Ultimate Christmas Treat

Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like the aroma of freshly baked Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze wafting through the kitchen. These cookies are soft, warmly spiced, and kissed with a silky maple glaze that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for gifting, decorating with kids, or enjoying alongside a cozy cup of cocoa.

If you’ve been searching for the best Christmas sweets or a fail-proof ginger baking recipe, this is it. The combination of dark molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and maple glaze creates a cookie that feels festive, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love These Soft Gingerbread Christmas Cookies

These cookies are everything you want in a holiday dessert—soft, chewy, and beautifully spiced. Here’s why they’ll become a yearly favorite:

• Soft, never dry: They stay tender for days thanks to molasses and brown sugar.
• Perfect flavor balance: The maple glaze adds sweetness that complements—not overwhelms—the gingerbread spice.
• Kid-friendly: Rolling and glazing make them a fun kids holiday cookies project.
• Festive aroma: Your home will smell like pure Christmas cheer.
• Easy to make ahead: Ideal for parties or gift boxes of Christmas treats cookies.

For more festive baking ideas, try Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Pumpkin Truffles—both seasonal favorites that pair beautifully with these gingerbread delights.

Essential Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

Here’s what you’ll need to create the best ginger bread Christmas cookies from scratch:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
• ⅓ cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon dairy-free milk (or regular milk)
• A pinch of salt

This short ingredient list produces a cookie that tastes as though it came from a bakery window on a snowy street.

For another holiday classic, check out Apple Fritter Donuts — the perfect companion for cozy mornings.

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How to Make the Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Step 1 – Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices in a large bowl. This blend creates that warm, spicy holiday aroma.

Step 2 – Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla; mix until smooth.

Step 3 – Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour—this keeps the cookies thick and soft.

Step 4 – Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 9–10 minutes, just until the edges set but the centers stay soft.

Step 5 – Cool and Glaze
Cool completely before glazing. Mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle or dip each cookie and let the glaze set.

For a creative spin, use cookie cutters and decorate with crushed candy cane pieces or gold sprinkles for a Christmas cookie flavour upgrade.

The Maple Glaze: A Sweet Holiday Touch

The glaze is what transforms these cookies from simple to spectacular. Its natural maple sweetness complements the spice of gingerbread perfectly.

Pro Tip: Use pure maple syrup rather than imitation—it gives depth and that “cozy cabin” flavor.

For more recipes with a sweet-meets-spice balance, try Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or Pumpkin Fluff Dip.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (2 large)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Baking enthusiasts might also enjoy whipping up Crescent Roll Mummy Hot Dogs for a fun, kid-friendly treat outside the holiday season.

Tips for Perfect Texture in Soft Christmas Cookies

1. Don’t overbake. Remove them just as edges firm up. They’ll finish baking on the sheet.
2. Chill the dough. This prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick.
3. Use dark molasses. It deepens flavor and color.
4. Measure flour correctly. Too much creates dense cookies; spoon and level it.
5. Glaze on cooled cookies. Warm cookies cause glaze to slide off.

If you love tender cookies, you’ll also adore Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes—a breakfast twist that feels like dessert.

Fun Ideas for Decorating Kids Holiday Cookies

Turn baking day into a family event! Here are creative ways to decorate these soft cookies Christmas style:

• Add festive sprinkles to wet glaze.
• Pipe icing outlines for classic gingerbread men.
• Sandwich two cookies with maple buttercream for indulgence.
• Dip half in white chocolate and add crushed peppermint.

Pair these with a festive drink like Lavender Lemonade for adults or warm vanilla milk for kids.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Ginger Baking Recipes

1. Skipping the chill time: leads to flat, dry cookies.
2. Using old spices: dull spices lose their magic—refresh yearly.
3. Overmixing dough: activates gluten and toughens cookies.
4. Applying too much glaze: can make them soggy.
5. Baking on warm sheets: causes over-spreading—cool between batches.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures bakery-quality results every time.

Storing and Freezing Christmas Treats Cookies

These gingerbread cookies with maple glaze stay delicious for days and freeze beautifully.

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight tins up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 10 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies up to 2 months; thaw before glazing.

For holiday prep, bake ahead and decorate right before gifting alongside Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.

Creative Variations and Flavor Twists

• Orange-Maple Glaze: Add orange zest for brightness.
• Chocolate-Dipped Edges: A rich finish for best gingerbread candy vibes.
• Coconut Maple Drizzle: Replace milk with coconut milk for tropical flair.
• Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies: Fill with vanilla or cinnamon cream.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of black pepper for adult sophistication.

Looking for another winter dessert idea? You’ll love Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for bite-sized decadence.

Pairing Ideas: Drinks and Desserts to Serve with Gingerbread Cookies

Serve these cookies with cozy beverages or complementary sweets:

• Hot cocoa or chai latte
• Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew for a festive pick-me-up
• A slice of Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Vanilla bean ice cream for a simple dessert plate

They also make charming gifts—stack in clear bags with ribbon and a handwritten tag.

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FAQs About Gingerbread Cookies and Maple Glaze

How do I make my cookies extra soft?
Add a tablespoon of molasses and under-bake slightly for the perfect chewy bite.

Can I use maple extract instead of syrup?
Yes, but pure syrup gives a richer, more natural sweetness.

Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely—swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but the maple glaze adds that signature holiday finish.

How do I revive day-old cookies?
Microwave for 10 seconds or add a slice of bread to the container to restore moisture.

Final Thoughts: The Best Christmas Sweets to Share This Holiday Season

These Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are more than just cookies—they’re a celebration of warmth, love, and tradition. Soft, perfectly spiced, and kissed with maple sweetness, they embody everything joyful about the holidays.

Bake them with family, package them for friends, or leave a few out for Santa. However you enjoy them, these cookies will fill your home with cheer and your heart with comfort.

If you loved this recipe, explore more festive favorites like Pumpkin Twists, Cauldron Cookies, or Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips.

Share this recipe with fellow bakers and subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more holiday-ready desserts and creative recipes all year long!

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