Chewy Soft Christmas Gingerbread Cookies

Chewy Soft Christmas Gingerbread Cookies. Bake up holiday joy with my Chewy Soft Christmas Gingerbread Cookies—perfect for exchanges, staying soft, and easy make-ahead.

Chewy Soft Christmas Gingerbread Cookies

Welcome, dear readers! If you’re here from Tammy at Pink Peppermint Designs, aren’t her iced oatmeal cookies so good? I can’t wait to make them! I’m so glad you stopped by! Grab a warm cup of hot cocoa and join me for this virtual cookie exchange. Be sure to pin these ideas to make later!! I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Chewy Soft Christmas Gingerbread Cookies, perfect for your holiday cookie exchanges. This delightful recipe yields a whopping 6 dozen cookies, but fear not, you can easily halve it for a more manageable 3 dozen. Plus, if you’re like me, you can make the dough ahead and freeze half for later. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

These Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Stay Soft for Days!

One of the things I adore about this recipe is that it produces cookies that stay soft for days. There’s nothing worse than baking a batch of cookies only to have them turn rock-hard the next day. These gingerbread cookies, however, boast a crisp exterior and a wonderfully soft interior that remains delectable long after they come out of the oven.

Ingredients for the BEST Chewy Gingerbread Christmas Cookies:

• 1.5 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1.5 cups light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup molasses
• 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Begin by mixing the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
2. Add molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Incorporate the eggs, beating well to ensure a smooth consistency.
4. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, 2 cups at a time, until everything is evenly combined.
6. Roll the dough into a ball and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight for best results.

Baking the Perfect Gingerbread Cookies:

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Using a scoop, form rounds and roll them into balls. For an extra touch, you can roll them in sugar before placing them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are puffed up, edges are firm, and the center is still soft. Once out of the oven, let them sit for 3 minutes before transferring them to a baking sheet. If you’re feeling extra festive, a drizzle of icing can add that perfect finishing touch.

Why Sift Dry Ingredients:

Sifting the dry ingredients might seem like an extra step, but it’s a crucial one. It helps break up any lumps, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout the dough. This results in a more consistent flavor and texture in every bite.

Can You Freeze Chewy Gingerbread Dough?

Life can get busy, especially during the holiday season. That’s why I love making the dough ahead of time and freezing half. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and you’ll have fresh, homemade cookies in no time.

Printable Chewy Christmas Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

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Chew Soft Christmas Gingerbread Cookies

Chew Soft Christmas Gingerbread Cookies

Course cookie, Dessert

Cuisine dessert, low-carb dessert, keto dessert, thanksgiving dessert

Keyword Christmas Cookies, Cookie Exchange Cookies, gingerbread cookie, holiday cookie recipe, no chill cookie recipe

Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes

Servings 6 dozen

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1.5 cups light brown sugar
• 2/3 cups molasses
• 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon 1.2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Begin by mixing the butter and sugar together until fluffy.

2. Add molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

3. Incorporate the eggs, beating well to ensure a smooth consistency.

4. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, 2 cups at a time, until everything is evenly combined.

6. Roll the dough into a ball and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight for best results.

7. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Using a scoop, form rounds and roll them into balls. For an extra touch, you can roll them in sugar before placing them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are puffed up, edges are firm, and the center is still soft.

9. Once out of the oven, let them sit for 3 minutes before transferring them to a baking sheet. If you're feeling extra festive, a drizzle of icing can add that perfect finishing touch.

Cookie Exchanges Made Easy:

Now, if you’re part of the cookie exchange tradition, you know the joy it brings. I’ve been hosting cookie exchanges for 10 years, and it’s a festive gathering that warms both hearts and ovens. If you’re curious about hosting your own exchange, check out my article where I share tips and tricks to make it a seamless and enjoyable experience — The Best Cookie Exchange Hosting Tips.

Joining a Virtual Cookie Exchange:

In the spirit of spreading joy and delicious treats, I’m excited to participate in a virtual cookie exchange with friends. As part of the cookie hop, the next stop is Ashley at Modern Glam with her tempting Candy Cane White Chocolate Cookies.

The Best Cookie Exchange Recipes

Tatertots and Jello: Chewy Soft Christmas Gingerbread Cookies | Modern Glam: Candy Cane Cookies With White Chocolate Kisse| | The Handmade Home: Easy Cake Mix Cookies | DIY Beautify: White Shiplap Gingerbread Cottage | Inspiration for Moms: Christmas Monster Cookies | My Sweet Savannah: Bourbon Molasses Gingersnaps | Paint Me Pink: Cranberry Orange Cookies with White Chocolate | She Gave it a Go: Festive Christmas: 3-Step Iced Sugar Cookies | Craftberry Bush: Handpainted Snow Globe Christmas Cookies | Pink Peppermint Design: Delicious Iced Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

More Cookie Exchange Recipes

Here are a few other yummy cookies that I’ve shared over the years that are so great for cookie exchanges!

• Chewy Almond Cookies 
• Pecan Caramel Turtles 
• Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bark
• Double Chocolate Frosted Cookies 
• Grandma’s Famous Sugar Cookies 
• Holiday Blossom Cookies 
• Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies 
• Mini Shortbread Cookies 
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Sticks 
• Graham Cracker Toffee
• Candy Cane Peppermint Kiss Cookies 
• Homemade Sea Salt Caramels
• Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops
• Grinch Truffles
• Orange Milano Dipped Cookies

Happy baking and happy holidays!

xoxo