🍪 Big Soft Ginger Cookies

These Big Soft Ginger Cookies are thick, chewy, and full of warm spice — perfect for cozy days, holiday cookie trays, or any time you crave a comforting classic.

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🍪 Big Soft Ginger Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings: ~24 cookies

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📝 Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until a dough forms. (Chill for 30 minutes if dough is too soft.)
5. Shape dough into 1½-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar, and place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   

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❓ What Is the Secret to Soft Cookies?

The key to soft cookies lies in a few factors:

1. Fat content – Using butter (or even part shortening) gives a tender texture.
2. Moisture-rich ingredients – Ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, and eggs help retain moisture.
3. Don’t overbake – The center should look slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool.
4. Chilling the dough – Helps control spread and can make a chewier cookie.

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❄️ Can You Freeze Soft Ginger Cookies?

Yes, absolutely!

• To freeze baked cookies:
  Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. Freeze up to 2 months.
• To freeze cookie dough:
  Roll into balls, flash-freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

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🧊 How to Store Soft Ginger Cookies?

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• To keep them ultra-soft, place a slice of bread or apple in the container — it adds humidity without making them soggy.
• Avoid stacking warm cookies — let them cool completely first to prevent sticking or steaming.

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✅ Tips:

• For extra soft cookies, don’t overbake — they firm up as they cool.
• Add a pinch of black pepper or nutmeg for deeper spice.
• Store with a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft longer.

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🧊 Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week.
• Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 2 months.