Gingerbread Cookies Spiced Molasses Frosting

Name: Gingerbread Cookies Spiced Molasses Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup molasses; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Highlighted under: Sweet Bakes

Delight in the festive flavors of our Gingerbread Cookies topped with a rich Spiced Molasses Frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-25T23:06:27.873Z

Gingerbread cookies have long been a holiday favorite, bringing warmth and nostalgia with every bite. These spiced cookies, paired with a sweet molasses frosting, create a delightful treat that is perfect for sharing or enjoying by the fire.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfect blend of spices that evoke holiday cheer
Soft and chewy texture with a delightful frosting
Great for decorating and holiday gifting

      

The Magic of Gingerbread

Gingerbread cookies have been a cherished holiday treat for centuries, known for their warm, comforting spices that evoke memories of festive gatherings. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in this recipe creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, making it the perfect backdrop for cozy winter evenings. Each bite offers a taste of nostalgia, bringing families and friends together to celebrate the holiday spirit.

These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can cut them into various shapes, from classic gingerbread men to intricate holiday-themed designs. This makes them ideal for decorating with loved ones, turning baking into a fun and creative activity. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, these cookies are sure to brighten your festivities.

Frosting That Elevates

The Spiced Molasses Frosting is the perfect finishing touch to your gingerbread cookies, adding a rich, sweet contrast to the spiced base. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and molasses, this frosting is not only easy to whip up but also enhances the cookies' flavors beautifully. Each dollop brings a delightful creaminess that melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of holiday joy.

For those who enjoy getting creative, this frosting serves as a blank canvas for your decorating ideas. Use piping bags to create intricate designs or simply spread it on with a knife for a rustic look. You can even experiment with adding festive sprinkles or edible glitter to make your cookies truly stand out. This frosting makes your cookies not just a treat, but a centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

Perfect for Gifting

Gingerbread cookies topped with Spiced Molasses Frosting make for thoughtful, homemade gifts during the holiday season. There’s something extra special about receiving a box of freshly baked cookies, and these treats are sure to impress friends and family alike. You can package them beautifully in festive tins or wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon to add a personal touch.

Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also show that you care. The effort put into baking and decorating these treats speaks volumes, making them a heartfelt gift. Consider including a handwritten recipe card with your gift, allowing others to create their own batch of holiday cheer. These cookies are a wonderful way to share the joy of the season and create lasting memories.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses

For the Spiced Molasses Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting.

Instructions

Prepare the Gingerbread Cookies

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, molasses, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of spiced molasses frosting on each cookie. Decorate as desired.

Allow the frosting to set before serving.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your gingerbread cookies turn out perfectly, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight variations can affect the texture and taste of your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when measuring flour and sugar, to achieve the best results.

Chilling the dough is a crucial step that should not be skipped. This process allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. If you're short on time, try chilling the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, but if you can, letting it chill for a few hours overnight will enhance the flavors even more.

Storing Your Cookies

Once your cookies are baked and frosted, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay soft and chewy for up to a week. If you’re planning to keep them longer, consider freezing the un-frosted cookies for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost them as desired. This makes it easy to have freshly decorated cookies on hand for unexpected guests or last-minute holiday celebrations. With proper storage, your gingerbread cookies can be a delightful treat any time of the year.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the gingerbread cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Frost them after thawing.

→ What can I use as a substitute for molasses?

You can use honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will vary slightly.