Nothing warms your soul quite like the spicy-sweet aroma of freshly baked ginger cookies.
Whether you crave the classic snap of a crispy gingersnap or prefer the soft, chewy texture of a molasses-rich variety, these aromatic treats offer the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.
We’ve carefully selected ten outstanding ginger cookie recipes that will delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with irresistible fragrance.
From traditional favorites to creative modern twists, you’ll discover options packed with crystallized ginger, enhanced with citrus zest, or enriched with unique spice blends that elevate the humble ginger cookie to new heights.
Classic Ginger Snaps
Classic Ginger Snaps are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, with their signature crackly top and crisp edges.
These cookies bring warmth to any occasion with their aromatic blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.
Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or shared during holiday gatherings, these timeless treats never disappoint.
Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Extra sugar for rolling
Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in egg and molasses.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until well blended. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and tops are crackled.
Pro Tip:
For the perfect crackly top, make sure your butter is at room temperature and don’t skip chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
This helps the cookies spread evenly and develop their characteristic appearance.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
These irresistibly soft and chewy gingerbread cookies will fill your home with warm holiday spices.
Unlike their crispy counterparts, these cookies maintain a tender, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth while delivering that classic gingerbread flavor you love.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream your butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in egg, molasses, and vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients separately, then gradually mix into wet ingredients. Chill dough for 2 hours.
Roll into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges are just set but centers still look soft.
Pro Tip:
Don’t overbake these cookies! They should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.
They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet for a few minutes, giving you that perfect soft texture once cooled.
Triple Ginger Cookies
Get ready to experience the ultimate ginger cookie that packs a triple punch of flavor!
These chewy, spicy cookies combine fresh, ground, and crystallized ginger for an irresistible treat that will fill your kitchen with a warm, aromatic scent.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or year-round snacking.
Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• ½ cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then add egg, molasses, and fresh ginger.
Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in crystallized ginger.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on lined baking sheets. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
Pro Tip:
For the perfect chewy texture, remove cookies from the oven when they still look slightly underdone in the center – they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet while cooling.
Ginger Molasses Cookies
These soft and chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies offer the perfect balance of warm spices and rich molasses flavor.
They’ll fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and make an excellent treat for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with tea.
Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• Granulated sugar for rolling
Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then mix in egg and molasses.
Combine dry ingredients separately, then gradually blend into wet mixture.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place on lined baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.
Pro Tip:
For the perfect chewy texture, remove cookies from the oven when they look slightly underbaked in the middle – they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
Vegan Ginger Cookies
These soft and chewy vegan ginger cookies are perfect for holiday baking or year-round treats.
With their crispy edges and tender centers, these cookies pack a delightful punch of warming spices that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup vegan butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water
• Extra sugar for rolling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
In another bowl, cream together vegan butter and sugar, then add molasses and flax mixture.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until well incorporated. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on lined baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly firm but centers remain soft.
Pro Tip:
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
They’ll continue firming up during this time, giving you the perfect chewy texture.
Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies
These chewy, aromatic Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies bring warmth and comfort to any occasion.
With the perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, these cookies offer the traditional ginger snap flavor while remaining completely gluten-free.
Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible holiday scent as they bake.
Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup softened butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Granulated sugar for rolling
Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla.
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
Roll into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Pro Tip:
Don’t overbake these cookies! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
For the chewiest texture, remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone but the edges are just set.
Pumpkin Ginger Cookies
These soft and chewy Pumpkin Ginger Cookies combine the warm, cozy flavors of fall with a delightful ginger kick.
Perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday cookie exchanges, these treats offer a unique twist on traditional pumpkin cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients:
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup crystallized ginger, chopped (optional)
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until well combined.
Fold in fresh and crystallized ginger. Drop rounded tablespoons onto lined baking sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tip:
For the perfect texture, don’t overbake these cookies. They should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue to set while cooling.
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Lemon Ginger Cookies
These zesty Lemon Ginger Cookies combine bright citrus flavors with warm, spicy ginger for a delightful treat that’s perfect year-round.
The crispy edges and chewy centers create an irresistible texture that will keep you reaching for more.
Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
• Extra sugar for rolling
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in egg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on lined baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tip:
Don’t overbake these cookies! Remove them from the oven when they still look slightly underdone in the center – they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
This ensures you’ll get that perfect chewy texture once they’ve cooled.
White Chocolate Ginger Cookies
White Chocolate Ginger Cookies combine the warmth of ginger with the sweet, creamy notes of white chocolate.
These cookies offer a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea.
The chewy center and slightly crisp edges create an irresistible texture that’ll keep you reaching for more.
Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup crystallized ginger, chopped
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
In another, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in egg and molasses. Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
Fold in white chocolate chips and crystallized ginger. Drop rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
Pro Tip:
Don’t overbake these cookies! Remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone – they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
This ensures perfectly chewy cookies every time.
Spiced Chocolate Ginger Cookies
These Spiced Chocolate Ginger Cookies combine rich dark chocolate with warming spices and crystallized ginger for an irresistible twist on classic cookies.
The deep cocoa flavor pairs perfectly with the spicy kick of ginger, while cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity to every bite.
Ingredients:
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped crystallized ginger
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined. Fold in crystallized ginger and chocolate chips.
Drop rounded tablespoons onto lined baking sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set.
Pro Tip:
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
This ensures they’ll keep their shape and develop the perfect chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ginger cookies different from regular sugar cookies?
Ginger cookies feature warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and molasses that create their distinctive flavor. These ingredients give them a darker color and chewier texture than traditional sugar cookies.
Which ginger cookie brand offers the best crispy texture?
Nyakers Swedish Ginger Snaps consistently rank as the crispiest ginger cookie with their thin, delicate crunch. Their traditional recipe dates back over 60 years and creates perfectly snappy results.
How can you tell if ginger cookies are freshly baked?
Fresh ginger cookies should have a strong aroma and slightly soft center when pressed. Look for cookies with a slight sheen on top and minimal crumbling around the edges.
Which ginger cookie variety works best for making dessert crusts?
Anna’s Ginger Thins excel at creating cookie crusts due to their consistent texture and easy crushing properties. Their subtle sweetness complements cheesecakes and other desserts perfectly.
What’s the best way to store ginger cookies to maintain freshness?
Store your ginger cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep them at room temperature and they’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to two weeks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer your ginger cookies soft and chewy or crisp and snappy, these 10 recipes offer something for every taste. Remember to use fresh ginger whenever possible for the most vibrant flavor, and don’t be afraid to adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences. Store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and consider freezing the dough for quick baking later. With these tried-and-true recipes in your collection, you’ll never be far from a perfectly spiced, homemade treat.
