Soft Frosted Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

The joy of baking fills the kitchen with the warmth of spices, sweetness, and the comforting scent of cookies. One delightful treat that embodies this spirit is soft frosted gingerbread cookies. With their rich flavor and inviting aroma, these cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack. Their spiced profile, combined with a creamy, decadent frosting, makes each bite an indulgent experience. Baking these cookies not only creates a delicious treat to enjoy but also brings families together during the festive season.

These soft frosted gingerbread cookies are exceptionally tender, thanks to the perfect mixture of molasses and spices, which gives them a unique flavor that is both sweet and pleasantly warming. This recipe highlights the traditional flavors of gingerbread but elevates it with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether served at holiday parties, gift-wrapped for neighbors, or shared with family, these cookies are bound to be a favorite for all.

Recipe Overview

– Total Time: 1 hour

– Prep Time: 20 minutes

– Yield/Servings: 24 cookies

– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe

Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is essential for crafting the perfect batch of soft frosted gingerbread cookies. Below is the detailed list of what you will need:

Dry Ingredients

– 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 tablespoon ground ginger

– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

– 1 cup packed brown sugar

– 1/2 cup molasses

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

– 8 oz cream cheese, softened

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

– 2 cups powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed, then set the bowl aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

4. Incorporate Molasses and Egg: Add the molasses, large egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat well until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.

5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, ensuring not to overmix to keep the cookies soft.

6. Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.

7. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should have set edges but remain soft in the center. After baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for flavor enhancement.

9. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. For a decorative presentation, you can use a knife or a piping bag to create beautiful swirls.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving. These delightful soft frosted gingerbread cookies are perfect alongside a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Preheat the Oven

Before diving into baking, it’s vital to ensure your oven is preheated correctly. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) as this staple baking temperature is suitable for cookies that need to bake evenly. Proper preheating guarantees that the cookies will rise and spread as intended, resulting in that soft and chewy texture we all love. This initial step sets the stage for the cookies to bake uniformly, allowing for the delicious flavors and aromas to develop fully.

Prepare Baking Sheets

Preparing your baking sheets is an essential step that should not be overlooked. Line them with parchment paper, which prevents the cookies from sticking while offering easy cleanup afterward. This simple act not only facilitates the removal of the cookies from the sheets without damaging them but also ensures you have a clean surface for future batches should you decide to make more.

Mix Dry Ingredients

Creating the right flavor base begins with the dry ingredients, which play a crucial role in achieving the ideal texture and taste. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt.

Combine Ingredients

Whisk together these components thoroughly until they are evenly distributed, ensuring that the leavening agents (like baking soda) are well mixed into the flour. This uniformity is essential for consistent cooking across all cookies, allowing each bite to be just as delicious as the last. Once combined, set the bowl aside, as these dry ingredients will be incorporated into the wet mixture shortly.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Achieving the right texture involves the proper creaming of butter and sugar, which provides the foundation for your cookies’ fluffiness. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together.

Beating Process

Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, which should take about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial; the airy mixture enables the cookies to rise and ensures a tender, soft result. As you cream the ingredients, you should notice the mixture become paler in color, indicating that it’s incorporating enough air—this is a sign your creaming process is on the right track!

Texture Check

The mixture should appear creamy and airy, a definite sign that it has been mixed correctly. Avoid under-mixing or over-mixing, as both can lead to undesirable textures in the baked cookies. Properly creamed butter and sugar create the beautiful foundation for the flavors that will come together beautifully in the final cookie.

In Part 2, we will continue with the remaining instructions and tips for successfully baking and displaying these delightful soft frosted gingerbread cookies.

gatherings. Consider accompanying them with a festive beverage for a complete treat experience.

Technique

The combination of techniques used in making Soft Frosted Gingerbread Cookies is crucial to achieving their soft texture and rich flavor. Mixing the butter and sugar until light and fluffy introduces air into the mixture, providing volume and lightness to the cookies. The incorporation of molasses, while adding depth to the flavor, also contributes to their moistness. Careful attention during the mixing process ensures that the ingredients meld without becoming overworked, which is vital for maintaining that soft, tender consistency.

Texture

Ideal gingerbread cookies should have a delicate balance of soft and chewy characteristics, which is a result of correctly following the mixing instructions and baking time. The addition of spices not only enhances their flavor but also gives them a slightly grainy texture, resulting from the ground spices. By allowing the cookies to cool just enough before frosting, you help preserve the soft texture on the inside, which contrasts beautifully with the rich and creamy layer of frosting topping them off.

Serving Ideas

When it comes to serving Soft Frosted Gingerbread Cookies, the opportunities are endless. They can be enjoyed warm right after frosting, but they truly shine when allowed to set. For holiday events or gatherings, stack them on a tiered cookie stand for an eye-catching display. Pair them with hot beverages such as spiced cider, coffee, or cocoa to enhance the festive spirit. For a light dessert option, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation Tips

For added festivity during holidays, consider incorporating elements such as decorative plates or festive napkins. Using colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small candies can make the cookies exceptionally appealing. Alternatively, placing them in clear gift bags tied with ribbon creates a lovely gift option for friends and family.

Scaling

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, which can be altered based on your needs. To double the recipe, simply multiply each ingredient by two, ensuring your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased volume. When scaling down, feel free to halve the measurements; however, be cautious with baking time, as a reduced batch may bake faster. Always keep an eye on the cookies, particularly if you have altered the recipe quantities.

Storage

For optimal freshness, store your Soft Frosted Gingerbread Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container. Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before sealing them to prevent condensation. These cookies can last for up to a week when stored correctly. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid; then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months. For frosted cookies, slice parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Reheating

While best enjoyed fresh, if you prefer warm cookies, they can easily be reheated. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), and place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat the cookies for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This reheating method helps to retain that soft texture without burning the frosting.

Troubleshooting

Should you encounter issues while making these cookies, it is vital to troubleshoot effectively. If your dough appears too dry, consider adding a teaspoon of milk to bring it to the right consistency. Conversely, if it is too wet and sticky, a small addition of flour can help balance it out. If your cookies spread too much while baking, ensure that your butter is not overly soft and that you have accurately measured your flour. Under-baking can lead to cookies that crumble upon handling, so ensure to follow the recommended baking times closely.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Margarine may be used as a substitute, but keep in mind it can affect the flavor and texture of the cookies slightly. Unsalted butter is preferred to ensure better control over salt content in the recipe.

How do I prevent my cookies from baking flat?

Make sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping if you find that your cookies spread too much while baking. This helps the dough firm up slightly, leading to a thicker result.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookies can be made in advance and stored properly. You can frost them on the day you intend to serve them for optimal freshness.

In conclusion, these Soft Frosted Gingerbread Cookies embody rich flavors and delightful textures perfect for any occasion. With a straightforward preparation and short baking time of about 8-10 minutes, they deliver a warm, festive treat that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy the soft, spiced cookies topped with creamy frosting that makes every bite a treat.