Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze – A Melt-In-Your-Mouth Holiday Favorite

Looking for Holiday baking recipes that feel warm, nostalgic, and irresistibly soft? These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are the perfect blend of cozy spices, rich molasses, and a silky maple drizzle that transforms every bite into pure Christmas magic.
If you want a cookie that stays soft for days, tastes like the holidays, and looks stunning on any dessert table—this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love These Soft Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are everything gingerbread should be: soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and lightly sweetened with a maple glaze that makes them shine. They’re quick to make, require simple ingredients, and are ideal for gifting, cookie boxes, or festive gatherings.

Whether you’re preparing treats for family, friends, or holiday parties, this recipe will become one of your go-to Holiday baking recipes every year.

Ingredients for Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze

Below is the complete list of ingredients for both the cookies and the glaze. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that soft texture and rich flavor.

For the Gingerbread Cookies

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅓ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the cookies)

For the Maple Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

Required Kitchen Tools

This recipe requires only basic baking tools—perfect even for beginner bakers.

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cooling rack
Small bowl for the glaze

Simple, accessible tools—big results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to create your perfect batch of Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze.

1. Prepare the Spiced Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl:

Add the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Whisk until fully combined.

This ensures that every cookie has an even distribution of warm spices.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl:

Beat the softened butter with the brown sugar.
Mix until light, creamy, and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.

This step creates the soft texture that makes these cookies irresistible.

3. Add the Egg, Maple, and Vanilla

To the butter mixture:

Add the egg and mix well.
Add the molasses and vanilla extract.
Continue mixing until smooth.

You’ll notice the dough becomes richly brown and aromatic at this stage.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually.
Use a spatula to fold or mix until a soft dough forms.
Avoid overmixing—this will keep your cookies tender.

The dough should be soft but not sticky.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–40 minutes.

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the gingerbread flavor.

6. Roll Dough into Sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C.
Scoop small portions of dough and roll into balls.
Roll each ball in granulated sugar.

This sugar coating creates a beautiful sparkle and slight crunch on the outside.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers appear soft.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a cooling rack.

Do NOT overbake—this is the secret to soft cookies.

8. Prepare the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl:

Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla.
Stir while adding milk slowly until the glaze becomes smooth and drips slowly from the spoon.

It should be thick enough to lightly coat the cookies.

9. Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or dip half the cookie into the maple glaze.
Allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes before serving.

The glaze will dry into a beautiful glossy finish—perfect for gifting.

Tips for Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies

These tips guarantee that your gingerbread stays soft and delicious for days.

1. Don’t Skip the Chill Time

Chilling the dough helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents spreading.

2. Don’t Overbake

The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven.
They will firm up as they cool.

3. Use Pure Maple Syrup

A high-quality maple syrup makes a huge difference in the glaze.
Avoid artificial syrup—it affects both flavor and texture.

4. Store Properly for Maximum Softness

Place cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a marshmallow.
This keeps them soft for up to a week.

5. Add Festive Decorations

Sprinkle crushed peppermint, cinnamon sugar, or holiday sprinkles before the glaze sets.

This turns them into centerpiece-worthy Holiday baking recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These gingerbread cookies pair beautifully with:

Hot chocolate
Chai latte
Spiced apple cider
Coffee or cappuccino
Holiday dessert boards

They also make stunning:

Christmas gifts
Cookie exchange treats
Holiday party desserts
Edible stocking stuffers

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

(Varies depending on size)

Calories: 145
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Sugar: 13g
Protein: 1.5g

These cookies are an indulgent yet balanced choice for holiday treats.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Holiday Baking Recipes Collection

Soft gingerbread cookies are a timeless classic, but the creamy maple glaze elevates them into something extraordinary. The combination of molasses, warm spices, and maple brings together the true essence of the holidays in every bite.

This recipe is:

Easy for beginners
Beautifully festive
Full of deep, cozy flavors
Perfect for gatherings
Ideal for sharing

If you’re building a collection of Holiday baking recipes, this one absolutely must be included.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

2. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free blend. The cookies will be slightly more delicate but still soft.

3. Can I skip the glaze?

You can, but the maple glaze adds an unforgettable flavor and finish.

Conclusion – Your New Favorite Holiday Cookie

These Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze combine everything we love about festive baking: warmth, sweetness, rich spices, and a touch of elegance. Whether you’re searching for Holiday baking recipes, hosting a family dinner, or preparing cookie gifts, this recipe gives you soft, chewy perfection every time.