Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These soft cream cheese frosted gingerbread cookies are a festive holiday treat with warm cinnamon, spicy ginger, rich molasses, and a smooth cream cheese frosting. Each cookie has a soft texture that pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy topping. Add colorful Christmas sprinkles for an extra-festive finish, or enjoy the cookies without frosting for a simpler gingerbread treat. With just 25 minutes of total time, this easy recipe makes 18 cookies that are perfect for holiday parties, cookie platters, and homemade gifts.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 18 cookies
• Course: Dessert, Cookies
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cookies

• Soft and flavorful: Ginger, cinnamon, and molasses give the cookies their classic gingerbread taste.
• Creamy frosting: Cream cheese and butter create a smooth, sweet topping.
• Festive finish: Christmas sprinkles add color and holiday charm.
• Easy to make: The dough uses familiar baking ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Flexible serving options: Enjoy them frosted or leave the cookies plain.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

• 2⅓ cups flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift.
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice.
• 2½ teaspoons ground ginger: Gives the cookies their signature gingerbread flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• ¾ cup softened butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the cookies and complements the molasses.
• ¼ cup molasses: Adds deep flavor and classic gingerbread character.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor.
• 1 egg: Helps bind the dough.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 cup softened butter: Creates a rich, creamy base.
• One 8-ounce package softened cream cheese: Adds a smooth texture and a slight tang.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Optional Christmas sprinkles: Add a festive finishing touch.

How to Make Soft Cream Cheese Frosted Gingerbread Cookies

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed, then set aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter and brown sugar until combined. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix again until incorporated.

4. Make the Cookie Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and a consistent dough forms.

5. Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls using approximately 1½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

6. Bake

Bake for 11–13 minutes. Once you remove the cookies from the oven, tap the baking sheet on the counter as directed in the original recipe.

Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.

7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Mix on high until combined.

Add the powdered sugar and mix on low until the frosting is smooth.

8. Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies have cooled completely to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting over each cookie using the back of a spoon.

Add Christmas sprinkles if desired, then serve.

Tips for the Best Gingerbread Cookies

• Use softened butter: Softened butter is easier to combine with the brown sugar and cream cheese.
• Measure the dough consistently: Using approximately 1½ tablespoons per cookie helps keep the batch uniform.
• Don’t frost warm cookies: The cookies must be completely cool before adding the frosting.
• Mix the frosting until smooth: Start mixing the powdered sugar on low to help incorporate it without making a mess.
• Customize the decoration: Use festive sprinkles or leave the frosting plain for a simple finish.

Can You Make These Gingerbread Cookies Without Frosting?

Yes. The cookies can be enjoyed without frosting and will still have the warm ginger, cinnamon, and molasses flavors of classic gingerbread. You can also use store-bought frosting if you want to simplify the recipe.

Can You Use Different Sprinkles?

Yes. Christmas sprinkles are optional, so you can choose decorations that match your holiday theme or leave them off entirely.

What Makes These Cookies Taste Like Gingerbread?

Ground ginger, cinnamon, and molasses provide the characteristic warm, spiced flavor. Brown sugar adds sweetness, while the cream cheese frosting gives each cookie a creamy contrast.

Final Thoughts

Soft Cream Cheese Frosted Gingerbread Cookies are a simple, festive addition to your holiday baking. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, molasses, and smooth cream cheese frosting makes them a delicious treat for sharing. Finish with Christmas sprinkles for a cheerful look, or enjoy them plain for an easy homemade cookie.

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