Just in time for the holiday season, these soft gingerbread cookies with maple glaze are the perfect treat to warm your heart and home. Combining the spicy warmth of gingerbread with the sweet, comforting embrace of maple glaze, these cookies are a festive delight that’s sure to become a new tradition.
Why This Recipe Works
- The perfect balance of spices gives these cookies their signature warm, inviting flavor.
- Soft and chewy texture achieved through precise baking times and temperatures.
- Maple glaze adds a sweet, glossy finish that complements the gingerbread perfectly.
- Simple ingredients come together to create a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
- Easy to make and even easier to decorate, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan. Tip: Letting your butter soften at room temperature makes it easier to cream with the sugar, leading to a smoother dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This not only combines your dry ingredients but also evenly distributes the spices throughout the flour for a uniform flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined. Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Combine and Shape
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Tip: For the perfect glaze consistency, let the cookies cool completely before applying the maple glaze.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and let set before serving.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their gingerbread cookies, consider these advanced tips. First, toasting your spices before adding them to the dough can intensify their flavors, giving your cookies an even deeper spice profile. Second, if you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk by half. Third, for a festive touch, sprinkle the glazed cookies with edible glitter or colored sugar before the glaze sets. Remember, the key to perfect cookies is not overmixing the dough and ensuring your oven is properly calibrated for accurate baking temperatures.
Recipe Variations
- Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that brightens the spices.
- Incorporate chopped crystallized ginger into the dough for extra chew and spice.
- Swap the maple glaze for a lemon glaze by substituting the maple syrup with lemon juice.
- For a chocolatey version, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use a chocolate glaze.
- Make gingerbread cookie sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
How do I store these cookies? Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, both the baked cookies and the dough freeze well. Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. The dough can be frozen in balls or as a log.
Summary
These soft gingerbread cookies with maple glaze are a festive, flavorful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their warm spices and sweet glaze, they’re sure to delight everyone who tries them.