Nothing beats a warm, soft cookie during the holidays. These Soft, Chewy Ginger Cookies are everything I want in a Christmas bake — soft and tender in the middle, lightly crackled on top, and packed with real ginger for a punch of cozy spice. I love making batches of these for friends, family, coworkers… everyone always asks for the recipe. If you want something festive that isn’t overly sweet and uses simple ingredients, these cookies are perfect.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Soft & chewy — never dry or cakey
• Real ginger flavor — warm, bold, and so cozy
• Holiday-perfect — sugar-rolled, crackly tops, and freezer-friendly
• Beginner-friendly — simple steps, forgiving dough

There’s something about ginger and cloves that just feels like Christmas at home. They bring that warm, cozy spice you taste in gingerbread, but here it’s folded into a soft, tender cookie instead of the stiff stuff we grew up with. It’s everything you love about gingerbread—just a whole lot tastier and way more comforting.

Soft Ginger Sugar Cookies

These soft ginger sugar snap cookies are everything you want in a cozy treat — warm spices, a little crunch from the sugar coating, and a soft center that melts in your mouth. Fresh ginger gives them a punch that makes them unforgettable.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Rest Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses unsulfured
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar for rolling

Optional

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in 1/4 cup molasses, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda , 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, and 1/4 tsp salt.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, making sure to mix them thoroughly.
5. Once the dry ingredients are mixed in with the wet ingredients, allow the dough to chill for 30 minutes in the fridge, covered.
6. Divide the dough into 6 – 8 balls and roll in granulated sugar. Place on baking sheet and cook at 350*F for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set and center is still soft.
7. Once done baking, allow cookies to sit for about 5 minutes before serving! Enjoy!

Notes

• No fresh ginger? No problem!
  You can absolutely substitute fresh ginger with extra ground ginger. I love adding fresh ginger because it boosts the flavor and adds just a little natural warmth (and even a touch of fiber!), but ground works perfectly too.
• Cloves are optional.
  You don’t have to add cloves, but I recommend them if you want that warm, cozy holiday flavor. Just a small amount makes the cookies feel extra festive.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough.
  Chilling is essential for soft, fluffy sugar snap cookies. It helps the dough firm up, prevents spreading, and gives you that perfect chewy texture.

Maddie’s Small Table Tips

• Cookies accidentally cook together? No problem!
  • Use a large circular glass or mug to reshape the cookies into perfect circles! If doing this, let them set first – they’re delicate coming out of the oven.
• Want a thicker crackle?
  • Roll the cookies in sugar twice before baking.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough!
  • It’s essential! It helps the dough firm up, prevents spreading, and gives you that perfect chewy texture.

These soft ginger sugar cookies are the perfect holiday treat — simple, cozy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, gifting tins to friends, or just craving something warm out of the oven, this recipe delivers every time. I hope they become one of your new holiday traditions the way they’ve become one of mine.