Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

Jump to Recipe

The holidays are a time for comfort, warmth, and of course, delicious treats. If you’re searching for a festive cookie that combines the rich flavors of molasses and ginger with a soft, chewy texture, look no further than these Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze. With their pillowy softness and slightly crisped edges, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, topped off with a smooth, maple glaze that makes them even more irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just want a cozy treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the traditional flavors of gingerbread with a soft, tender texture that’s unlike any other. While most gingerbread cookies are firm and crisp, these cookies offer a delightful contrast with their chewy centers and slightly crisp edges. The addition of maple glaze elevates them to a new level of sweetness, creating the perfect balance of flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make—perfect for a last-minute baking session or a fun holiday activity with family.

Ingredients for Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

For these soft, spiced cookies, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that create a rich and comforting flavor profile.

Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a soft texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the slight crunch on the cookie edges.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Molasses: Provides that deep, rich flavor that’s essential to gingerbread cookies.

Flour: The base of the dough, giving the cookies structure.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and flatten, giving them their characteristic texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness of the dough.
Ground ginger: Adds the signature spiciness of gingerbread.
Granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a little sweetness and sparkle to the cookies.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for a variation or happen to be missing an ingredient, here are a few suggestions:

Maple syrup: If you can’t find molasses, you can use maple syrup as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Coconut sugar: For a more natural sweetness, try using coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar.

Gluten-free flour: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

Making these Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze is a simple and fun process. Just follow these easy steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger.

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Make the maple glaze by whisking together melted butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt. The glaze should be thick but still dip-able.
Dip each cookie halfway into the maple glaze, letting any excess glaze drip off before setting them on wax paper to dry. Optionally, sprinkle festive decorations on top.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

To ensure your Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

Don’t overbake: These cookies should be soft when you remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet to avoid overbaking.
Adjust the flour: If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of flour to achieve the perfect consistency.

Maple glaze consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until it’s the right texture for dipping.
Sugar coating: Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking gives the cookies a subtle crunch and adds to their festive look.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are delicious on their own, but they can be paired with various treats or modified for different tastes:

Serve with hot cocoa or tea: These cookies make a great companion to a warm drink during the holidays.
Add sprinkles or frosting: If you want to get extra creative, add festive sprinkles or pipe royal icing decorations.
Make them spicier: If you like your gingerbread with more of a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy twist.

For storage, keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies without the glaze and then glaze them just before serving.

Why These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Are a Must-Make This Season

Whether you’re looking to share homemade treats with loved ones or simply want a delicious snack to enjoy on a cozy winter afternoon, these Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze will not disappoint. Their soft texture, combined with the warm, comforting flavors of ginger and molasses, makes them a perfect holiday cookie. The addition of a maple glaze takes them to the next level, adding a smooth, sweet finish that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ spiciness. Try them this holiday season, and watch them become a favorite!

Conclusion

These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are the perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and softness, making them a standout treat during the holiday season. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or enjoying them on your own, the flavors and textures will bring joy to every bite. With their soft, chewy centers and perfectly crisp edges, along with a touch of maple glaze, these cookies are sure to become a favorite holiday tradition. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the warmth and sweetness of these festive delights.

Frequently Asked Questions about Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

Can I make these Soft Gingerbread Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, such as the baking soda and spices, are gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze the cookies before glazing?

Absolutely! You can freeze the Soft Gingerbread Cookies without the glaze. After baking and cooling the cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, just thaw them and dip them in the maple glaze for a fresh, delicious treat.

What can I use if I don’t have molasses?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with maple syrup, although the flavor will be slightly different. For a closer taste, dark corn syrup or brown sugar can also work, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor as molasses.

More Relevant Recipes

Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the rich flavors of molasses and ginger with a soft, chewy texture. Topped with a smooth, maple glaze, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making them an irresistible seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (300 grams)
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1–2 teaspoons ground ginger
Granulated sugar for rolling
1 tablespoon melted butter (for glaze)
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180 grams)
2 tablespoons milk
Pinch of salt (for glaze)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger.

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Scoop the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and roll them in granulated sugar.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Whisk the maple glaze ingredients together until smooth. Dip the cooled cookies halfway into the glaze and let the excess drip off.
Place the glazed cookies on wax paper and add any desired festive sprinkles before the glaze sets.

Notes

If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of flour to achieve the right consistency.
The cookies should be soft when removed from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet to avoid overbaking.
If the maple glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches a dippable consistency.