Glazed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, nostalgic treat that’s bursting with warm spices and just the right touch of sweetness, then you absolutely must try this Glazed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a soft, tender crumb enriched with molasses and classic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and are topped with a delicate, glossy glaze that makes every bite feel like a holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply want to fill your home with that irresistible gingerbread aroma, this recipe has everything you need to create a batch of delightful cookies that feel like a warm hug in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these cookies just right means starting with simple, essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays its part—whether it’s the tangy molasses for depth, the ground spices for that signature kick, or the butter for rich softness.

• 1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens and provides the base for the glossy glaze that finishes each cookie perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons water: Used to thin the glaze to just the right consistency for smooth application.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a gentle floral note that enhances the glaze’s flavor.
• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: A subtle addition that deepens the dough’s color and flavor without overwhelming.
• 4 teaspoons ground ginger: The star spice in gingerbread, giving that signature zing.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves: Adds a warm, slightly sweet bitterness that complements the ginger beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: For that unmistakable warmth and aromatic sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise to a tender, slightly chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature: Supplies richness and a buttery mouthfeel.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in creating a tender crumb.
• 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives structure.
• ½ cup molasses (not blackstrap): The essence of gingerbread, delivering deep sweetness and moisture.
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Keeps cookies soft and adds a little shine.

How to Make Glazed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by measuring out your flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, ground cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt into a medium bowl. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined and set aside. This ensures your spices are well distributed, so every bite is packed with that iconic gingerbread flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter for about 1 to 2 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating for 2 to 3 minutes more. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl halfway through to keep everything evenly mixed. This step is key for fluffy, tender cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Beat the egg into the creamed butter and sugar until fully combined. Next, add the molasses and light corn syrup, beating until the mixture is well blended. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl as needed—this ensures every bit is evenly mixed and creates that luxuriously soft dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add your dry ingredients to the wet in three batches, mixing on low speed between each addition. Keep mixing until you no longer see streaks of flour and the dough feels soft but holds together well. This gradual mixing prevents overworking the dough and keeps your cookies tender.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a flattened rectangle about an inch thick. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This chilling step lets the flavors develop fully and firms the dough for easier rolling, yielding perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 6: Prepare to Bake

About 10 minutes before rolling, remove the dough from the fridge so it softens just enough to roll easily. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line your baking trays with parchment paper. This setup ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 7: Roll Out and Cut Cookies

Flour your work surface and rolling pin generously, then roll the dough out to just under ½ inch thick, about 1 cm. Use your favorite cookie cutters to stamp out shapes. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking trays. Continue rerolling scraps and cutting shapes until all dough is used—you don’t need to chill again between rolls.

Step 8: Impress Designs

If you want to make your cookies extra special, press in designs like eyes, buttons, or patterns with a clean lollipop stick or a skewer. This adds charming details that pop once glazed.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies for 7 to 12 minutes depending on their size. For reference, a 3 ½ inch cookie takes about 7 minutes. Larger cookies may require a few extra minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.

Step 10: Cool on Racks

Transfer baked cookies to wire cooling racks to cool completely. This prevents sogginess on the bottoms and readies them for glazing.

Step 11: Make and Apply Glaze

While your cookies bake, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Once cookies have cooled at least 10 minutes, use a pastry brush to gently glaze each one, making sure to cover any pressed designs. Allow the glaze to harden fully before storing or serving—the shine makes these gingerbread cookies irresistibly festive.

How to Serve Glazed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, try sprinkling crushed candied ginger, edible glitter, or finely chopped nuts on the glaze while it is still wet. These little accents bring both texture and a festive sparkle that make your gingerbread cookies stand out on any platter.

Side Dishes

Serve these glazed gingerbread cookies alongside a rich cup of hot cocoa or spiced chai tea. The warm spices in your drink and cookie complement each other perfectly, creating a comforting duo that’s ideal for chilly afternoons or holiday parties.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cookies the star of a dessert board featuring fresh fruit, cheeses, and nuts, or stack them with layers of frosting in between for a cookie sandwich twist. For gift-giving, package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon—the glaze shines through and looks so inviting, your friends will be thrilled!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your glazed gingerbread cookies are fully cooled and the glaze hardened, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy these little bites of joy anytime.

Freezing

If you want to keep cookies longer, you can freeze unglazed baked cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Once ready to serve, thaw completely and then glaze as usual. This method preserves their shape and flavor wonderfully.

Reheating

These cookies are delightful at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm treat, gently warm one or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the cookie slightly and amplifies those gorgeous spices without melting the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?

Blackstrap molasses has a more intense, robust flavor and can be a bit bitter, which might overpower the cookies. It’s best to stick with regular molasses for a balanced sweetness and authentic gingerbread flavor.

Do I have to chill the dough overnight?

Chilling overnight greatly improves the flavor and makes the dough easier to handle, but if you’re short on time, chilling for at least 2 hours will still produce tasty cookies.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but textures may differ slightly. Look for a one-to-one baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

How do I keep the glaze from cracking?

Apply the glaze while cookies are completely cool, and let them dry at room temperature without disturbing them. Avoid stacking glazed cookies until the glaze has fully hardened.

Can I decorate these cookies with colored icing?

Absolutely! The cookies provide a perfect base for royal icing or colored glaze. Just make sure the base glaze is fully hardened before adding additional decorations to prevent colors from bleeding.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about making and sharing this Glazed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe. From the warm, inviting spices to the sparkling glaze, these cookies bring joy with every bite. I encourage you to bake a batch soon—whether for yourself or loved ones—and savor every delicious moment. They’re a wonderful way to fill your home with love, warmth, and that unmistakable holiday spirit all year round.

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