Warm Spiced Gingerbread Delights

Category: Sweet Treats and Baked Goods

These warm spiced gingerbread cookies are soft, aromatic, and perfect for any season. Made with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, these cookies are bursting with rich flavors. The dough is easy to prepare, with molasses adding a delightful depth. Once baked, the cookies are drizzled with a simple yet sweet icing that beautifully complements the spices. Whether for a cozy evening or festive gathering, these cookies are a heartwarming treat that everyone will love.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:51:26 GMT
A plate of gingerbread cookies with white icing. Pin
A plate of gingerbread cookies with white icing. | zestplate.com

Warm Spiced Gingerbread Cookies with Sweet Icing have been a cherished holiday treat in my family for as long as I can remember. Each bite captures the warmth of comforting spices, and the drizzle of sweet icing makes them perfect for any winter gathering. The aroma of these cookies baking in the oven signals that the holiday season has officially begun.

I remember making these during one snowy day with my grandmother. Rolling the dough into perfect rounds became a fun tradition we stuck to every year.

  • All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie creating structure and softness
  • Ground ginger: Essential for that signature gingerbread flavor
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the blend of spices
  • Ground nutmeg: Contributes a subtle sweet-spicy kick
  • Ground allspice: Deepens the spice profile making the flavors bold
  • Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a delicate texture
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
  • Unsalted butter softened: Gives the cookies richness and softness
  • Brown sugar packed: Adds depth through its molasses content
  • Granulated sugar: Balances the molasses richness with light sweetness
  • Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture
  • Unsulfured molasses: Key for the gingerbread taste, rich and sticky
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a touch of warmth
  • Powdered sugar: Creates the smooth and sweet base for the icing
  • Milk: Helps achieve the desired consistency
  • Vanilla extract: Complements the sweetness and adds flavor

How To Make Warm Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

A plate of gingerbread cookies with white icing and snowflakes.
A plate of gingerbread cookies with white icing and snowflakes. | zestplate.com

One of my favorite moments with this recipe is watching the beautiful golden cookies bake and light up the kitchen with their irresistible aroma. The first bite always brings a flood of holiday memories.

Storage Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

Serving Suggestions

A plate of gingerbread cookies with white icing and green sprinkles.
A plate of gingerbread cookies with white icing and green sprinkles. | zestplate.com

Cultural Connection

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute molasses in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup, maple syrup, or honey. However, the flavor will vary slightly as molasses gives a rich depth to the cookies.

→ What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

→ Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures a chewy texture. It also makes the dough easier to handle.

→ Can I make the icing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the icing ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and whisk it before using.

→ What is the purpose of using unsulfured molasses?

Unsulfured molasses provides a purer, less processed flavor compared to sulfured varieties, enhancing the taste of the cookies.

Warm Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Soft spiced gingerbread with sweet icing—ideal for festive treats.

Preparation Time
60 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Total Duration
70 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Western

Output: 24 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1 tablespoon ground ginger
03 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
04 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 1 teaspoon ground allspice
06 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 1 teaspoon salt
08 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 1 cup packed brown sugar
10 1 cup granulated sugar
11 1 large egg
12 1 cup unsulfured molasses
13 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For the sweet icing

14 1 cup powdered sugar
15 1 tablespoon milk
16 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture until fully combined.

Step 05

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is normal.

Step 06

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour to make it easier to handle.

Step 07

Take small portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 08

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm and the centers appear soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Step 09

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and glossy.

Step 11

Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle or pipe the icing over the cookies as desired.

Required Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Piping bag or spoon for icing

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein: 1 g