Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze: Easiest Xmas Treat

Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are a holiday staple in my home, and I’m so excited to share my recipe with you. These aren’t your average gingerbread cookies; they’re incredibly soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a luscious maple glaze that takes them to the next level. If you’re looking for the perfect Xmas treats to bake this season, look no further than these Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze. 

The aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven always brings back cherished childhood memories, especially around the holiday season. These cookies are not just a dessert; they're a warm hug on a cold day, a taste of nostalgia, and a symbol of togetherness. Let's get baking, shall we?

Why You Will Love This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

Oh, where do I even begin? These cookies are seriously addictive! Their soft, chewy texture, combined with the warming spices of gingerbread and the sweet, fragrant maple glaze, is a match made in heaven. Imagine biting into a cookie that melts in your mouth, exploding with flavor, and leaving you wanting more. That's exactly what these Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze deliver!

They're also surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a fun and stress free baking experience. Plus, the maple glaze is so easy to whip up, it will become your go to topping.

These are the perfect Xmas treats: they make wonderful gifts, beautiful additions to dessert platters, and instant crowd pleasers. The warm spices will infuse your kitchen with the scent of holidays. I promise, once you try these, you will never go back to store bought cookies again!

Ingredients Needed for This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies. I keep it simple, focusing on quality ingredients that let those flavors shine.

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 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
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze:

1. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of spices.

2. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 5 minutes with a mixer.

3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The molasses is what gives the cookies their characteristic gingerbread flavor.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

5. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial, as it allows the dough to firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

6. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper if you're running low on parchment, using a silicone baking mat works just as well!

7. Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Re roll scraps as needed. These are great Xmas treats to make with your kids or loved ones!

8. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The wire rack will stop the cookies from continuing to bake and will help them to cool down quicker!

10. Make the glaze: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Add more maple syrup, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

11. Glaze the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of the cookies into the maple glaze, or drizzle the glaze over the cookies. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

How to Serve This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are perfect served with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters and gift baskets. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the glazed cookies with sparkling sugar or edible glitter! I like pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. Consider them alongside other holiday sweets for a truly amazing Xmas treat spread. You might also enjoy them with "Soft Maple Cookies With Brown Butter Icing" (https://recipesofday.com/soft-maple-cookies-with-brown-butter-icing/) for another maple infused dessert.

How to Store This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

To keep your Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw completely at room temperature before glazing and serving. The glaze is best added fresh and not frozen.

Reheating isn't usually necessary, as these cookies are wonderful at room temperature. If you do want to warm them slightly, you can microwave them for a few seconds.

Tips to Make This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes for easier cleanup.
• Don't overbake the cookies: Overbaking will result in dry, brittle cookies. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
• Adjust the glaze consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add more maple syrup. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Helpful Notes for This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

For the best flavor, use good quality molasses and pure maple syrup. These ingredients really make a difference in the overall taste of the cookies.

If you don't have all the spices on hand, you can use gingerbread spice mix instead.

If you want to make the cookies ahead of time, you can bake them and store them unglazed. Then, when you're ready to serve, simply whip up the glaze and decorate the cookies.

Looking for a side dish to complement your holiday baking? Consider whipping up a batch of "Mushroom Ravioli Sauce" (https://recipesofday.com/mushroom-ravioli-sauce/) for a savory counterpoint!

Variation of This Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze Recipe

For a chocolate twist, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also add chocolate chips to the dough for even more chocolatey goodness.

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.

For a citrusy flavor, add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough.

For a colorful twist, add sprinkles or colored sugar to the glaze.

Follow us on Pinterest for more Xmas treats and baking inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home. They're easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some unforgettable Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze that everyone will adore! Please let me know in the comments if you give this recipe a try.