Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are the ultimate holiday treat! The warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses come together in a cookie that melts in your mouth, topped with a smooth and slightly sweet maple glaze for an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting homemade treats, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Gingerbread Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Form the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes (gingerbread men, stars, or circles) and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they are set but still soft in the center. They should not brown too much. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Maple Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the maple glaze over the top of each cookie. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy!
- These soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are best enjoyed with a hot drink like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and are perfect for holiday gifting, sharing, or indulging in your own kitchen!
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time for dough)
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including cooling time)
These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are an irresistible holiday treat that combines the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. The soft texture and maple glaze elevate these cookies to a new level of deliciousness, making them a must-bake for your festive celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying them on Christmas Eve, at a holiday gathering, or simply for an afternoon snack, these cookies will be a delightful addition to any occasion!
