Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s something magical about the smell of warm spices wafting through the house, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I tried making these soft gingerbread cookies with maple glaze. It was a chilly December afternoon, and I had just settled in with a cup of hot cocoa, ready to dive into some holiday baking. I stumbled upon this recipe, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite!
These cookies are so soft and chewy, with just the right amount of spice to make you feel all warm and cozy inside. And that maple glaze? Wow! It adds the perfect sweet touch that takes these cookies to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming about them long after the holidays are over. So grab your apron, and let’s get started on making some of the best gingerbread cookies you’ll ever taste!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
How to Prepare Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these delightful cookies! Follow my lead, and soon your kitchen will be filled with that incredible gingerbread aroma. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly, giving them that perfect soft texture we all love! Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, let’s mix our dry ingredients. Combine 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step is key to getting those lovely spices throughout your cookies!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, in a separate large bowl, beat 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar together until it’s nice and smooth. You’re looking for a light, fluffy texture here, so take your time! This is where that rich flavor really starts to develop, and oh my goodness, it smells amazing!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in 1/2 cup of molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. You’ll love how the molasses adds that deep, rich flavor—just perfect for gingerbread!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, mixing until just combined after each addition. You don’t want to overmix it; we’re aiming for soft, tender cookies here!
Shape the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each ball because they will spread out as they bake. You want them to have room to puff up beautifully!
Baking Process
Pop those babies into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are firm but the centers still look soft. Don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
Cooling and Glazing
Let your cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they’re cooling, whip up your maple glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle that delightful glaze over your cooled cookies, and watch them transform into something truly special!
How to Prepare Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these delightful cookies! Follow my lead, and soon your kitchen will be filled with that incredible gingerbread aroma. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly, giving them that perfect soft texture we all love! Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, let’s mix our dry ingredients. Combine 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step is key to getting those lovely spices throughout your cookies!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, in a separate large bowl, beat 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar together until it’s nice and smooth. You’re looking for a light, fluffy texture here, so take your time! This is where that rich flavor really starts to develop, and oh my goodness, it smells amazing!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in 1/2 cup of molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. You’ll love how the molasses adds that deep, rich flavor—just perfect for gingerbread!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, mixing until just combined after each addition. You don’t want to overmix it; we’re aiming for soft, tender cookies here!
Shape the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each ball because they will spread out as they bake. You want them to have room to puff up beautifully!
Baking Process
Pop those babies into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are firm but the centers still look soft. Don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
Cooling and Glazing
Let your cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they’re cooling, whip up your maple glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle that delightful glaze over your cooled cookies, and watch them transform into something truly special!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the goodness packed in these soft gingerbread cookies with maple glaze! Each cookie is like a warm hug, but it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so they might vary a bit depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, they’re filled with warmth and love—how can you resist that?
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these soft gingerbread cookies with maple glaze? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers to help you on your baking journey:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Sure! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly. I recommend using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best results.
How do I make these cookies more spiced?
If you’re a spice lover like me, you can definitely amp up the flavor! Just add a bit more ground ginger or cinnamon to the dough. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a lovely warmth!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can roll the dough into balls and freeze them. Just pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw for a bit and then bake as usual. Fresh cookies anytime!
What if I don’t have maple syrup for the glaze?
No problem! You can use honey or agave syrup instead. It’ll still give you that sweet, delightful glaze—just a little different in flavor, but still delicious!
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
If stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for about a week. But trust me, they probably won’t last that long—they’re too good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Deliciously spiced with warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Beautifully topped with a sweet maple glaze that elevates each bite.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home.
- Fun to make with family or friends—everyone will want to join in!
- They fill your home with the irresistible aroma of gingerbread.
- Great for gifting—who wouldn’t love a box of these cookies?
- Kid-friendly and sure to please cookie lovers of all ages!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends! If you want to take your soft gingerbread cookies with maple glaze to the next level, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you. These little nuggets of wisdom will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together smoothly, giving your cookies that soft, tender texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them to be soft and chewy!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping. This can help the cookies hold their shape better while baking and enhances the flavors!
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check them at the 8-minute mark. You want the edges firm but the centers soft; they’ll continue to set as they cool!
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. A little more ginger or a dash of nutmeg can add an extra layer of warmth that’s simply divine!
- Let Them Cool: Allow your cookies to cool completely before glazing. This will help the glaze set nicely and prevent it from melting into the warm cookies.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. It helps keep them soft and moist!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delightful batch of soft gingerbread cookies ever! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to sneak a cookie (or two) while they’re still warm!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked up a storm of these delightful soft gingerbread cookies with maple glaze, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh for as long as possible! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite.
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them even longer, consider adding a slice of bread to the container. This little trick helps maintain their moisture, keeping them perfectly chewy!
If you end up with leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can also freeze these cookies. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature for a bit, and they’ll be just as delightful as the day you baked them!
Now, if you’re craving that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, you can easily reheat your cookies. Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up and make that maple glaze a little gooey again. Yum! Alternatively, you can place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Either way, they’ll be a treat to savor all over again!
Print
Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft gingerbread cookies topped with a sweet maple glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until combined.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and maple syrup together.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use fresh spices for best flavor.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more or less syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: soft gingerbread cookies, maple glaze, holiday cookies, dessert recipes
