If you’re on the hunt for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, I have just the thing: the Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe is a delightful celebration of traditional spices and sweet, luscious maple syrup. These cookies offer that perfect balance of tender crumb and spicy zing, topped with a glossy, rich glaze that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a chilly afternoon, or just because, these gingerbread cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

A round white plate holds a pile of eight light brown cookies arranged in a circular pattern. Each cookie is half-coated with smooth white icing covering one side, decorated with a small green holly leaf and three red berry dots on the icing side. The cookies have a slightly cracked texture on the uncoated side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with green leafy sprigs arranged under the plate and a folded grey cloth napkin on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward pantry staples, yet each plays a vital role in creating the iconic flavor and texture of these soft gingerbread cookies. From the creamy butter that adds moisture and richness, to the fragrant ground ginger that brings that signature spice, every component has its purpose in crafting this perfect batch.

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the tender texture and buttery flavor that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping to create a slight crispness on the outside.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for softness.
1/3 cup molasses: Brings deep, robust sweetness and that classic gingerbread color and taste.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (300 grams): Forms the structure of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape but stay soft.
2 teaspoons baking soda: A leavening agent that helps cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
1-2 teaspoons ground ginger: The star spice, adding warmth and that beautiful gingerbread essence.
Granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a bit of sparkle and slight crunch on the cookies’ surface.
1 tablespoon melted butter: Used in the maple glaze to add richness and help it set smoothly.
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup: Gives the glaze a natural sweetness and signature maple flavor.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180 grams): For the glaze’s sweet, creamy base that coats the cookies beautifully.
2 tablespoons milk (plus a little more as needed): Adjusts the glaze’s consistency, ensuring it’s perfect for dipping.
Pinch of salt, to taste: Fine-tunes the glaze, balancing out the sweetness for maximum flavor harmony.

How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for baking these gingerbread cookies gently so they stay soft rather than crisp or dry. While your oven warms, line your baking trays with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key—proper creaming creates air pockets that help the cookies rise and gives them an inviting texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Molasses

Next, beat in the egg until fully incorporated, followed by the molasses. The molasses not only sweetens but also contributes that rich gingerbread color and intense flavor that makes these cookies special. Mix just until smooth to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, blending until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix here—just combine until the flour is fully absorbed. This will keep your cookies tender.

Step 5: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form small dough balls around the size of a golf ball, then roll them generously in granulated sugar. This adds a subtle crunch and pretty sparkle on top after baking. Place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. When done, immediately transfer them off the hot baking sheet onto wire racks or parchment paper to cool. This step is crucial because it allows the cookies to slightly sink and flatten, creating the perfect soft, chewy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze

While cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, pure maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The mixture will be quite thick at first. If necessary, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a thick but dippable consistency—thicker glazes set beautifully on the cookies.

Step 8: Dip and Decorate

Dip the flat side of each cooled cookie into the maple glaze, letting the excess drip off by running the edge of the cookie along the bowl’s rim. Lay the cookies on wax paper and, if you want to add an extra festive touch, sprinkle with colorful decorations before the glaze sets. Let them rest until the glaze hardens into a shiny, sweet finish.

How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Enhance these cookies by topping with a sprinkle of festive colored sugar or tiny edible gold stars for a holiday vibe. Crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts also add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cozy cup of chai tea or a frothy mug of warm spiced cider. The spicy warmth of the drinks pairs beautifully with the gingerbread’s flavors and the sweet maple glaze. For an indulgent touch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side offers a delightful temperature contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Display these cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks to evoke the holiday spirit. Wrap them individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for charming edible gifts. You can also create a beautiful cookie platter layering various soft gingerbread cookies dipped in glaze alongside plain ones for visual and taste variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once glazed, store your Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. The glaze helps seal in moisture, keeping these cookies wonderfully tender.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cookies longer, freeze the plain cookies (before glazing) arranged on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and apply the maple glaze fresh for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To warm up your cookies and revive their softness, heat them gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or place briefly in a warm oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain their chewy texture and prevent the glaze from melting fully.

FAQs

Can I use dark molasses instead of regular molasses?

Yes! Dark molasses can add a deeper, more robust flavor to your Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe. Just keep in mind it might slightly intensify the bitterness and color, which many people enjoy for a richer taste.

How do I get my cookies soft instead of crunchy?

To achieve softness, be sure not to overbake your cookies; remove them from the oven as soon as the edges set but the centers still look slightly underdone. Cooling them off the pan helps prevent continued cooking and promotes a tender texture.

Is there a vegan alternative for the butter and egg?

Absolutely! You can substitute vegan butter to maintain the rich texture and use flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes) as a binding agent. The maple glaze works great as is since it doesn’t contain dairy.

Can I add other spices to the dough?

Definitely! Adding cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg in small amounts can deepen the warm spice profile, making your cookies uniquely flavorful while complementing the ginger.

What’s the best way to make the glaze shiny?

Using pure maple syrup and the right amount of melted butter creates a beautiful glossy finish. Also, avoid thinning the glaze too much with milk—it should be thick enough to coat and harden for that lovely sheen.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe combine the nostalgic flavors of the holidays with a modern, luscious twist that is simply irresistible. They’re soft, spicy, sweet, and perfectly glazed to brighten any day or celebration. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to snacks or gifts. Happy baking and even happier tasting!