Description

These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are the ultimate Christmas treat — warmly spiced, perfectly chewy, and finished with a sweet maple glaze that melts in your mouth. Ideal for gifting, decorating, or sharing with family, they bring holiday magic to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

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

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and all spices until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
Combine: Gradually mix in dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
Shape and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 9–10 minutes until edges are set.
Cool and Glaze: Let cookies cool completely. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth, then drizzle or dip cookies. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Notes

Storage: Keep in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for 10 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies up to 2 months; thaw before glazing.
Tips: Chill the dough to prevent spreading. Don’t overbake for soft centers. Use pure maple syrup for best flavor.
Decorating Ideas: Add sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or white chocolate drizzle for festive flair.
Flavor Variations: Add orange zest for brightness or dip edges in chocolate for extra indulgence.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 130
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Gingerbread Cookies, Maple Glaze Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Soft Gingerbread Recipe, Holiday Baking Recipes