There is something truly magical about holiday treats, and this Iced Gingerbread Cookies Recipe captures that festive spirit perfectly. These cookies are soft yet slightly crisp with a warm, spicy gingerbread base, topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that is both creamy and sweet. Whether you are baking for a cozy family gathering or looking for a delightful treat to share with friends, this recipe brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make gingerbread so beloved. You’re going to love how easy it is to make and how irresistibly tasty they turn out!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows 14 small bowls and containers with baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a large white bowl filled with flour, next to it several small white bowls and cups containing light brown powder, white powder, salt, ground spices, sugar, and an egg in the center. Below these are a glass container holding a stick of butter, a small white bowl with cream cheese, a small white cup with a liquid, a white bowl with white powdered sugar, and two additional bowls on the bottom right filled with dark brown sugar and a dark syrupy liquid. The ingredients are spread out with space between each container, creating a clean organized layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients makes this Iced Gingerbread Cookies Recipe both accessible and foolproof. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s adding spice, sweetness, richness, or a beautiful color to your cookies.

1/2 cup butter: Adds a rich, creamy base that ensures tender cookies.
1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided): Provides sweetness and helps create a slight crunch on the cookie surface when rolled in sugar.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Offers moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and helps give structure.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
1/4 cup molasses: The star ingredient that delivers authentic gingerbread flavor and beautiful dark color.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough and provides the perfect texture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a comforting warmth that’s classic in gingerbread.
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives the cookies their signature spicy kick.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift and softness.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a subtle depth and complexity.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
4 ounces cream cheese: Essential for the luxuriously smooth icing.
3 tablespoons butter: Joins the cream cheese to create a fluffy frosting.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Brings a lovely fragrant lift to the cream cheese frosting.
Sprinkles (optional): Adds a fun and colorful touch to your iced cookies.

How to Make Iced Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cookie Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and giving your cookie sheet a quick spray with cooking spray. This tiny step ensures your gingerbread cookies won’t stick and will come off the pan perfectly crisp on the edges.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and the brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming step is crucial for creating a tender crumb and a slight crispness. Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses, mixing until everything is combined into a rich, fragrant batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, and salt. These spices are the heart of the gingerbread flavor and distributing them evenly will make every bite perfectly aromatic.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over mix because you want the cookies tender, not tough.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Then roll the dough balls in the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar for a sparkly, slightly crunchy coating. Place 6 dough balls on your prepared cookie sheet and gently press them down to about ¼ inch thickness. The pressed shape helps them bake evenly and creates that classic gingerbread cookie look.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9 minutes. Keep a close eye—they should be set but still soft in the middle. Freshly baked gingerbread cookies have a lovely balance of soft and crisp textures!

Step 7: Cool Before Decorating

Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 3 to 4 minutes—this helps them firm up slightly so they don’t break when transferred. Then move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

Beat together the cream cheese and butter until fluffy and smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, beating to combine fully, and finish by mixing in the vanilla extract. This icing is silky and tangy, the perfect counterpoint to the spicy gingerbread.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cookies

When your cookies are thoroughly cooled, use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off to pipe circles or designs of icing onto each cookie. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles if you want to add a bit of festive fun.

How to Serve Iced Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

The image shows ten round cookies on a metal cooling rack placed over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one layer of light brown base and a thick swirl of creamy white frosting on top, sprinkled with small orange crumbs. To the right of the rack, there is a small clear container filled with more orange crumbs and a small black utensil next to it. The cookies are evenly spaced on the rack, and the lighting highlights the texture of the frosting and the crumbly cookie base photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle your iced gingerbread cookies with festive colored sugar or edible glitter after piping the icing. You can also add tiny edible pearls or crushed candied ginger for a flavor and texture boost that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

Serve these gingerbread cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or classic eggnog. Their spicy sweetness pairs beautifully with creamy or slightly bitter drinks, making any snack time feel like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your iced gingerbread cookies on a decorative plate wrapped with a ribbon for a quaint homemade gift idea. Arranging them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra icing, sprinkles, and nuts encourages a fun cookie-decorating party vibe for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your iced gingerbread cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last comfortably for about 4 to 5 days and maintain their soft, spicy texture without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies without icing by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, add the cream cheese icing after thawing.

Reheating

Although these cookies are wonderful at room temperature, a few seconds in the microwave (10-15 seconds) can revive that just-baked warmth and soften the icing for an extra cozy treat.

FAQs

Can I make this Iced Gingerbread Cookies Recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap in vegan butter, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg, and use non-dairy cream cheese for the icing. The flavor will stay just as delightful with those substitutions.

What if I don’t have molasses on hand?

Molasses is key for the classic depth of flavor in gingerbread, but you can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, although the taste will be slightly lighter.

Can I roll out the dough to make shapes instead of rolling dough balls?

Absolutely! You can roll the dough flat between parchment sheets and use cookie cutters for festive shapes. Just chill the dough first to prevent sticking and make handling easier.

How thick should I roll or press the cookies?

Press or roll your cookies to about ¼ inch thickness to ensure they bake evenly and maintain a wonderful texture—thin enough to crisp on the edges and soft inside.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. This will actually help deepen the flavors and make it easier to handle when shaping your cookies.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like pulling a tray of freshly iced gingerbread cookies from the oven, their spicy scent filling your kitchen and the cream cheese icing adding just the right amount of sweet tang. This Iced Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is a heartfelt way to create cozy moments and share joyful flavors with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy frosting for yourself!