We’ve always adored the warm, spicy embrace of ginger cream cookies a timeless treat that brings holiday cheer to any kitchen. Originating from classic American baking traditions these soft chewy delights combine zesty ginger with creamy frosting for an irresistible balance of flavors.
In our kitchen we’ve perfected this recipe to be simple yet scrumptious perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers looking to impress. Join us as we dive into this cozy classic that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For our Ginger Cream Cookies, we bring together simple, high-quality ingredients that deliver the warm, spicy ginger flavor and creamy texture everyone loves. These components create a delightful balance of zesty spice and soft, chewy goodness, perfect for holiday baking or any cozy occasion.
For the Cookie Dough
We list the ingredients in the order they are typically combined, with prep notes for accuracy:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Sifted for even texture
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger – Freshly ground if possible, for a bold, aromatic punch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – To help the cookies rise and achieve that perfect soft bite
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a subtle warmth to complement the ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile
- ¾ cup unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature for easy creaming
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp edge
- 1 large egg – At room temperature, for better incorporation
- 1 tablespoon water – Helps bind the dough smoothly
- ¼ cup molasses – Unsulfured variety for rich, deep flavor without bitterness
For the Creamy Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Sifted to avoid lumps and create a silky finish
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter – Softened for easy mixing into a creamy base
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure extract for authentic, sweet vanilla notes
- 2–3 tablespoons milk – Adjust as needed for the right frosting consistency
Required Tools
To bake our irresistible ginger cream cookies, we rely on a few key tools that streamline the process and ensure consistent results. These essentials help us mix, shape, and bake with precision for that perfect blend of zesty ginger spice and creamy frosting.
Baking Essentials
For preparing our ginger cream cookies, we recommend gathering the following baking tools to make the process efficient and enjoyable. We’ve bolded the tool names for easy reference and included brief notes on their importance.
- Mixing Bowls: Use at least two medium-sized bowls—one for dry ingredients like flour and spices, and another for wet ingredients such as butter and molasses—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements, these tools ensure our cookie dough achieves the ideal balance of ground ginger, sugar, and other components for optimal flavor and texture.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: A handheld electric mixer speeds up creaming butter and sugar, but a sturdy whisk works well for smaller batches, helping us incorporate air for light, chewy cookies.
- Baking Sheets: Opt for two rimmed sheets to accommodate multiple cookies at once; line them with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A silicone spatula is perfect for scraping down bowl sides and folding in ingredients without overmixing, preserving the soft consistency of our dough.
- Cooling Rack: Allow cookies to cool evenly on a wire rack after baking to maintain their tender texture and prepare them for frosting application.
- Oven Thermometer: While not always necessary, this tool verifies your oven’s temperature accuracy, which is crucial for baking ginger cream cookies to golden perfection without burning the edges.
Instructions
We guide you through creating our irresistible Ginger Cream Cookies, using the fresh ingredients and tools we’ve outlined to achieve that perfect zesty spice and soft texture. Let’s transform those simple components into holiday favorites with these straightforward steps.
Prep the Dough
First, we combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl to build a solid base for our Ginger Cream Cookies. In one bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until evenly blended—this ensures the spices distribute perfectly for that warm, aromatic flavor.
Next, in a separate bowl, we cream the wet ingredients using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat 1/2 cup of unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, then add 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of water, and 1/4 cup of molasses, mixing until smooth. The rich molasses adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the ginger’s zing.
Finally, we gently fold the dry mixture into the wet one using a spatula, stirring just until a soft, pliable dough forms. This step is crucial—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as the ingredients incorporate for that ideal chewy bite.
Chill the Dough
Once the dough is prepped, we wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to enhance its flavor and texture. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for best results—this chilling process firms up the mixture and intensifies the ginger notes, making the cookies even more irresistible.
During this time, the flavors meld together, allowing the spices to bloom and the dough to rest, which prevents spreading in the oven. We recommend setting a timer to avoid over-chilling, as this step ensures your Ginger Cream Cookies bake up perfectly round and tender.
Bake the Cookies
After chilling, we preheat our oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for even heat distribution. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls using a spoon or cookie scoop, then roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkling, crunchy exterior that contrasts delightfully with the soft interior.
Place the dough balls on the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight expansion. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft—the aroma of fresh ginger will fill your kitchen, evoking cozy holiday vibes. Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack immediately to prevent sogginess, letting them cool completely for about 10 minutes before handling.
Prepare the Cream Filling
To craft the creamy frosting that defines our Ginger Cream Cookies, we start by beating 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk, mixing on low speed until you achieve a light, spreadable consistency.
This filling should be velvety and not too thick—adjust the milk as needed for the perfect creaminess. The vanilla enhances the ginger‘s warmth, creating a filling that’s as flavorful as it is smooth, ready to sandwich between cookies for a decadent treat.
Prepare the Cream Filling
We finish our Ginger Cream Cookies by pairing the baked cookies with the fresh cream filling. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the prepared filling onto the flat side of one cooled cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to form a sandwich.
This assembly step ensures even distribution of the creamy center, balancing the spicy cookie with sweet cream for a harmonious bite. Arrange the assembled cookies on a plate and serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and fresh taste.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Ginger Cream Cookies preparation for busy holiday baking or any occasion, we recommend these practical steps that maintain the cookies’ warm, spicy flavor and soft, chewy texture. By planning ahead, you can enjoy fresh-baked treats without last-minute rush.
Preparing the Dough in Advance
We suggest making the cookie dough up to 2 days ahead. Start by following our earlier steps for combining the dry ingredients—all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt—with the wet ingredients like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, egg, water, and molasses. Once mixed, shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Chilling the dough not only enhances its spicy ginger notes but also prevents spreading during baking. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling and cutting.
Making the Frosting Ahead
Our creamy frosting can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, ensuring it stays smooth and ready for sandwiching the cookies. Whisk together powdered sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until fluffy, as outlined in the assembly steps. Transfer the frosting to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Before using, let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes and give it a quick stir to restore its velvety consistency. This approach keeps the frosting’s rich, creamy taste intact without compromising the cookies’ delightful contrast of zesty spice and sweetness.
Baking and Storing the Cookies
For maximum flexibility, bake the cookies ahead and store them until assembly. After baking to a perfect golden edge as per our step-by-step guide, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Here’s a quick overview of storage options in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 5 days | Keep in a single layer to preserve the soft, chewy texture; avoid humid environments to prevent softening. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag; thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting for optimal freshness. |
Assembling the Cookies Later
If you’re short on time, bake and cool the cookies as instructed, then assemble them with the frosting just before serving. This step ensures the sandwiches retain their crisp edges and creamy center. For make-ahead assembly, prepare the sandwiches up to 1 day in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and let them sit out for 15 minutes to reach the ideal soft texture. We find this method perfect for maintaining the cookies’ inviting aroma and holiday cheer.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this ginger cream cookies recipe with you, as it’s become a staple in our holiday traditions. It’s more than just a treat—it’s a way to spread warmth and joy during cozy gatherings.
As we wrap up, remember that baking these cookies lets us create lasting memories with family and friends. Give it a try and make it your own signature delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ginger cream cookies?
Ginger cream cookies are a classic American treat known for their warm, spicy ginger flavor and creamy frosting, perfect for holiday cheer. They combine zesty ginger with a soft, chewy texture, making them a cozy family favorite that’s easy to bake.
What ingredients are needed for ginger cream cookies?
For the dough, you’ll need all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, an egg, water, and molasses. The creamy frosting requires powdered sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. These high-quality ingredients ensure a perfect balance of spice and softness.
What tools are required to make ginger cream cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls for ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, an electric mixer or whisk for dough, baking sheets with parchment paper, a spatula or wooden spoon for mixing, a cooling rack, and an oven thermometer. These help streamline baking for consistent results.
How do I make ginger cream cookies step by step?
Start by mixing dry ingredients like flour, ginger, and spices. Cream butter and sugar, add wet ingredients, then combine everything to form dough. Chill the dough, shape into cookies, bake until golden, and prepare frosting. Assemble into sandwiches for a delightful treat. The process is simple for all skill levels.
Can I make ginger cream cookies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it to enhance flavor. Frosting can be made 3 days ahead and stored airtight. Bake cookies ahead and keep at room temperature or freeze for later. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
How should I store ginger cream cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. For frosted cookies, refrigerate to keep the creamy filling fresh, and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.