Name: Soft Gingerbread Cookies With Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup (80 ml) molasses; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 12 tablespoons (180 ml) milk; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Baking soft gingerbread cookies with maple glaze always brings a cozy winter warmth to my kitchen.

Sweet memories of childhood holidays dance through the air while spices swirl around me.

Molasses and ginger create an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone closer.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe inspired this delightful twist on a classic treat.

Delicate spices blend seamlessly with rich maple notes, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Comfort and nostalgia merge in each carefully crafted cookie.

Each bite promises a heartwarming journey through familiar and unexpected flavors that will make you smile.

Take a moment to savor these magical little treats that connect us to treasured traditions.

Why Maple-Glazed Gingerbread Cookies Feel Classic

Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate, making these cookies perfect for busy home bakers who want delicious treats without stress.
Bake these cookies in under 30 minutes, creating a fast, crowd-pleasing sweet that works for holiday gatherings, family snacks, or unexpected guests.
Adjust the maple glaze thickness and add personal touches like extra spices or decorative sprinkles to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Ingredients That Warm Up the Season

Dry Ingredients:

Flour, All-Purpose: Provides structure and base for the soft cookie texture, all-purpose works best for consistent results.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that create classic gingerbread flavor profile.
Salt: Enhances overall cookie flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter, Unsalted: Adds richness and helps create soft cookie texture, room temperature butter blends smoothly.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to cookie's soft texture, brown sugar adds moisture and depth.
Molasses: Gives deep, rich flavor and dark color characteristic of gingerbread, blackstrap or dark molasses works best.
Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cookie.
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and enhances other flavors.

Maple Glaze Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze base.
Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and signature maple flavor.
Milk: Helps adjust glaze consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Complements maple flavor and adds complexity.

How to Bake and Glaze for Just the Right Bite

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:

Flour
Baking soda
Ground ginger
Cinnamon
Cloves
Nutmeg
Salt

Set this magical spice blend aside for later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a mixer to blend:

Butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Whip until the mixture looks fluffy and light, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in:

Molasses
Egg
Vanilla extract

Mix until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed. Don’t overmix or your cookies will get tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps develop incredible flavor and texture.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Edges should look set, centers slightly soft. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Create Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Milk
Vanilla extract

Adjust thickness by adding more milk or sugar.

Step 11: Decorate Cookies

Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Let glaze set before serving.

Tips for Texture and Spiced Balance

Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least one hour to enhance flavor development and prevent spreading during baking.
Measure Spices Precisely: Use fresh, high-quality ground spices to ensure a robust, warm gingerbread flavor that truly shines in each bite.
Avoid Overbaking Trick: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers appear slightly soft to maintain that perfect, tender texture.
Customize Glaze Consistency: Control maple glaze thickness by adding small amounts of milk or powdered sugar until you reach your desired drizzling or spreading texture.
Storage Secret: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain softness.

Keeping These Cookies Fresh After Glazing

Store cooled gingerbread cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Place cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.

Pair With Coffee, Tea, or Cider

Pair these soft gingerbread cookies with warm chai tea for a cozy spice explosion that complements the cookies' rich, aromatic profile.
Enjoy a cold glass of milk or creamy eggnog to balance the sweet maple glaze and provide a smooth, cooling contrast to the warm spices.
Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped mascarpone cream to enhance the cookies' soft texture and amplify their delicate maple notes.
Indulge with a warm mulled cider or spiced wine to elevate the gingerbread's winter warmth and create a festive flavor connection.

Gingerbread Variations for Different Holidays

Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of chicken egg, and select dairy-free maple syrup for the glaze.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce granulated sugar by half and replace with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a lower-calorie cookie with less sugar content.
Spice-Infused Variation: Add ground cardamom or orange zest to enhance the traditional gingerbread flavor profile for a more complex taste experience.

Are these gingerbread cookies chewy or crisp?

These cookies are soft and tender with a gentle, cushiony texture. The key is not overbaking and using the right blend of spices to maintain moisture.

What gives these cookies their distinct flavor?

The combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a warm, rich spice profile that’s classic to traditional gingerbread cookies. Molasses adds depth and a slight caramel-like sweetness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and intensifies the spice flavors, resulting in a better-textured cookie.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly set edges and centers that appear soft but not wet. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Baking for 8-10 minutes ensures a soft, moist texture without becoming dry or hard.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Cozy Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

Why Maple-Glazed Gingerbread Cookies Feel Classic

Ingredients That Warm Up the Season