Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are a holiday dream come true! These aren’t your typical hard and crunchy gingerbread men. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth, soft-baked perfection, topped with a luscious maple glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe is inspired by my grandmother’s holiday baking, where the aroma of gingerbread always filled the kitchen. Sharing this recipe for Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze feels like sharing a piece of my heart, and I hope it brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine.
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Why You Will Love This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
This recipe is pure comfort food, plain and simple. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices. What makes them extra special? The maple glaze, which adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful sheen. Picture this: a cold evening, a warm mug of tea, and a plate of these Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze. Doesn't that sound just divine?
I remember the first time I made these on my own. I tweaked my grandmother’s recipe, and they came out perfectly! I couldn’t believe it.
They’re also surprisingly quick and easy to make. From start to finish, you're looking at less than an hour, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking. Plus, the recipe is very forgiving!
If you also have a list of things you want to try, baking should definetly be on the list.
Ingredients Needed for This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
Here's what you'll need to create these delectable treats:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (or water), as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
Before we dive in, Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipe ideas and baking inspiration!
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed.Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
This step is crucial for achieving that soft texture.Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Roll Out and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
Gingerbread men are classic, but feel free to get creative!Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops into the maple glaze or drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon.
Let Set: Let the glaze set completely before serving the cookies. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
How to Serve This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
These cookies are perfect on their own with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. You can also serve them as part of a holiday dessert platter. For an extra special touch, add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles or edible glitter over the glaze before it sets. Consider pairing these with other holiday favorites as well. If you have leftover peaches you should definitely look at creating an Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe With Cake Mix.
How to Store This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough: If the dough is too sticky to roll out, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
- Use good quality molasses: The flavor of the molasses really shines through in these cookies, so use the best quality you can find.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and brittle. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
If you don't follow these tips you should also look at What Things Should We Avoid With Puff Pastry.
Helpful Notes for This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Molasses: I prefer using unsulphured molasses for its rich and slightly sweet flavor.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, add more ginger.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor in the glaze.
Variation of This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Lemon Glaze: For a brighter flavor, replace the maple syrup in the glaze with lemon juice.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed cookies for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Sugar: Before baking, sprinkle the cookies with spiced sugar for a festive look and added flavor.
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