Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

Let’s make Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze this holiday season! These delightful cookies are soft, pillowy, and filled with the warm flavors of ginger and molasses. Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these cookies are sure to impress everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ginger and molasses creates a rich and comforting taste that embodies the holiday spirit.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a Christmas party or a winter gathering, these cookies are a festive treat that everyone will love.
• Versatile Decoration Options: The thick maple glaze allows for creative decorating, so you can customize each cookie with sprinkles or other toppings.
• Great for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Baking sheets: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies every time.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess, keeping your workspace tidy.

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Ingredients

To create these delectable Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (300 grams)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 teaspoons ground ginger
• Granulated sugar for rolling

For the Maple Glaze

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180 grams)
• 2 tablespoons milk (and a very tiny bit more if you need more)
• Pinch of salt, to taste

How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the egg and molasses; mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Incorporate dry ingredients:
1. Gradually add flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger to the mixture.
2. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookies

Prepare to bake:
1. Scoop small balls of dough (slightly smaller than golf balls) and roll them in granulated sugar.
2. Place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 9-11 minutes; once removed from the oven, allow them to cool slightly so they can flatten out.

Step 5: Prepare Maple Glaze

Make the glaze:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, milk, and salt until smooth.
2. If too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a dippable consistency.

Step 6: Glaze Cookies

Finish off your cookies:
1. Dip one side of each cooled cookie into the maple glaze.
2. Run the edge along the bowl to remove excess glaze.
3. Set on wax paper and sprinkle with festive decorations before the glaze sets!

Enjoy these Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze during your holiday festivities!

How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, consider these serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the spices in gingerbread beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy pairing.
• Spiced Tea: Chai or cinnamon tea provides warmth and enhances the ginger flavor.

Add Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla balances the spiciness of the cookies.
• Ginger Ice Cream: For an extra kick, serve with ginger-flavored ice cream.

Create Cookie Sandwiches

• Frosting Filling: Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent treat.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy touch.

Garnish with Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples: Fresh apples add a crunchy texture and refreshing contrast.
• Pears: Sliced pears bring sweetness that pairs well with the spiced cookies.

How to Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

To ensure your Soft Gingerbread Cookies turn out perfectly each time, follow these tips for success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and egg helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be set but still soft when you take them out.
• Allow Cooling Properly: Letting cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them helps maintain their shape.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

These side dishes pair wonderfully with Soft Gingerbread Cookies, adding extra flavor and variety to your dessert spread.

1. Cheese Platter: A mix of sharp cheeses complements the sweetness of gingerbread.
2. Mixed Nuts: Roasted nuts provide crunch and contrast against the soft cookie texture.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances flavors nicely.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into chocolate for an indulgent treat.
5. Pumpkin Pie Spice Whipped Cream: This flavored whipped cream enhances the cookies’ warmth.
6. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze, a few common pitfalls can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Not measuring ingredients correctly – Accurate measurement is crucial in baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients to ensure the right texture.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, tender cookie.
• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling your dough helps prevent spreading during baking. If time allows, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Baking at the wrong temperature – Always preheat your oven fully before baking. An inaccurate temperature can result in cookies that are either too hard or undercooked.
• Forgetting to rotate trays – For even baking, rotate your cookie sheets halfway through the baking time. This ensures all cookies bake uniformly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container after solidified.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly.

How can I customize my Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the dough for added flavor and texture.

What is the best way to decorate these cookies?

After glazing, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch!

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to one week at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are not just delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with different spices or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try this holiday season; it’s sure to become a favorite!