There’s something magical about the warm embrace of Christmas spices dancing with fresh ginger in the oven, filling the kitchen with that irresistible holiday aroma. Last year, after craving a cozy treat that felt homemade yet festive, I stumbled upon the perfect Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies recipe. These cookies are my go-to when I want a delightful balance of zesty ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of clove, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to add a homemade touch to your holiday celebrations, this recipe is incredibly simple, quick to whip up, and guaranteed to bring smiles to every cookie lover around your table. Get ready to create your new holiday tradition with these crowd-pleasing ginger cookies that taste as heartwarming as the season itself!
Why choose Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies?
Irresistible aroma: The cozy blend of cinnamon, ginger, and clove fills your kitchen with festive warmth. Simple preparation: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe is quick and fuss-free. Soft and chewy texture: Each bite offers a delightful balance that’s both comforting and satisfying. Versatile treat: Ideal for holiday parties, gifting, or a cozy night in. Crowd-pleaser: These cookies bring smiles and create lasting holiday memories with every batch baked.
Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – Provides the perfect structure for soft, chewy Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies.
- Ground ginger – Delivers that zesty, warming kick essential to the cookie’s signature flavor.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds a sweet spice that complements the ginger beautifully.
- Ground cloves – Introduces a subtle, aromatic depth for that classic holiday warmth.
- Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and tender.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the spices.
- Unsalted butter – Ensures rich flavor and a tender texture; room temperature for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel that enriches the cookie’s chewiness.
- Granulated sugar – Creates a slight crispness on the cookie’s edges.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for a perfect bite.
- Molasses – The secret ingredient for deep flavor and that classic gingerbread hue.
For Rolling & Finishing
- Extra granulated sugar – For rolling the cookie dough balls, giving them a sparkling, slightly crunchy exterior.
How to Make Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this ensures even baking and easy cookie removal.
- Combine all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; whisk until spices disperse and flour feels light.
- Cream softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl for about 3 minutes, until light, fluffy, and pale golden.
- Stir in the egg and molasses until fully incorporated and the dough takes on a rich, amber hue with a smooth, slightly sticky texture.
For Rolling & Baking:
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each in extra granulated sugar; place them 2 inches apart on prepared sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops develop charming cracks; let cool on the sheets for 5 minutes.
Optional: sprinkle fine sea salt on warm cookies for a sweet-salty surprise.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies?
As the holiday season wraps us in its cozy embrace, pairing delightful treats with the warmth of spiced cookies turns each moment into a cherished memory.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: The rich, velvety texture perfectly complements the warm spices, creating a comforting duo on chilly nights.
- Festive Eggnog: This traditional holiday drink adds a creamy, nutmeg-infused twist that enhances the ginger cookies’ flavors beautifully.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm, and the sweet, tangy notes echo the cookie’s spices, inviting everyone to gather around.
- Candied Nuts: Their crunchy texture and sweet glaze provide a delightful contrast to the soft cookies, making for a satisfying snack.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing sharp cheddar or creamy brie brings out the depth of the spices, offering a gourmet touch to your holiday spread.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Vibrant, juicy fruits provide a refreshing balance that brightens the flavor profile of the cookies.
- Holiday Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, melting alongside the warm cookies, creates a delightful dessert experience.
- Gingerbread Coffee: A cozy cup of spiced coffee enhances the ginger flavor, transforming your treat into a truly festive occasion.
- Peppermint Bark: The cool mint flavor contrasts wonderfully, making every bite of cookie an exciting discovery, perfect for holiday indulgence.
Expert Tips for Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends smoothly with sugars, creating the perfect dough texture for tender Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until ingredients combine to avoid tough cookies and maintain that soft, chewy bite.
- Roll Consistently Sized Balls: Ensures even baking so all cookies develop those beautiful crackled tops without burning or undercooking.
- Chill Dough If Needed: If dough feels too sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to make rolling easier and prevent spreading.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look soft to keep a chewy texture after cooling.
- Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: Sprinkling fine sea salt after baking enhances the warm spices and balances sweetness perfectly.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer softer cookies, store them in the fridge for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies are the perfect treat for meal prep enthusiasts during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and chilling it in the refrigerator; this not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. Alternatively, you can roll the cookies into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them straight from the freezer—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for those fresh-out-of-the-freezer cookies just as delicious as if you made them on the spot!
Variations & Substitutions for Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies
Feel free to personalize these delicious cookies to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to keep it safe for those avoiding gluten.
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Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This keeps the cookies chewy and delightful.
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Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a surprising heat that complements the warm spices beautifully.
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Nutty Flavor: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness with every bite.
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Citrus Twist: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest into the dough to brighten the flavor profile and add a refreshing citrus note.
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Alternative Sweeteners: Try using maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness that pairs well with ginger.
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Frosted Delight: Top with a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking for a sweet, elegant finish that adds a delightful visual appeal.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a luscious touch that enhances the holiday spirit!
Let your creativity flow, and enjoy discovering new favorites!
Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my ground ginger and spices are fresh for the best flavor?
Fresh spices make a huge difference! Use ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that are less than six months old. If your spices have lost their aroma or taste flat, it’s time to replace them for that vibrant holiday kick.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only helps with rolling but also intensifies the flavors. Just take it out 15 minutes before baking to soften slightly.
What’s the best way to freeze Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies without losing texture?
I recommend freezing baked cookies, not raw dough. Lay cooled cookies flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature or warm them gently for that fresh-baked feel.
My cookies turned out flat and crispy instead of soft and chewy. What went wrong?
Don’t worry, this happens! Flat cookies often mean the dough was too warm when baked or the baking soda wasn’t fresh. Also, over-rolling can cause spreading. Try chilling the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking and double-check your leavening agents are fresh.
Are Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens like eggs, butter, and wheat flour, so they’re not safe for pets or those with dairy, egg, or gluten allergies. If you want a pet-friendly treat, keep these cookies well out of reach and consider baking a separate batch with pet-safe ingredients.
Best Christmas Spiced Ginger Cookies for Cozy Holiday Baking Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this ensures even baking and easy cookie removal.
- Combine all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; whisk until spices disperse and flour feels light.
- Cream softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl for about 3 minutes, until light, fluffy, and pale golden.
- Stir in the egg and molasses until fully incorporated and the dough takes on a rich, amber hue with a smooth, slightly sticky texture.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each in extra granulated sugar; place them 2 inches apart on prepared sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops develop charming cracks; let cool on the sheets for 5 minutes.
