Are you tired of traditional gingerbread cookies that turn out hard as rocks? Looking for that perfect holiday treat that combines classic gingerbread spices with something a little extra special? These Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies are your answer to cookie perfection this festive season!
These delightfully chewy gingerbread chocolate chip cookies deliver that warm, spicy flavor you love with a tender texture that simply melts in your mouth. The addition of chocolate chips creates a heavenly combination that’s impossible to resist.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes! As someone who’s spent countless holiday seasons perfecting the art of cookie baking, I’ve discovered that the secret to truly memorable gingerbread lies in achieving that perfect soft texture while maintaining those classic holiday flavors we all adore.
In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the right ingredients, mastering the mixing technique, and baking these cookies to perfection. Plus, I’ll share variations, storage tips, and FAQs to ensure your holiday baking is a complete success!
Why These Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies Work
- Perfectly balanced spices create that classic gingerbread flavor without overwhelming
- The addition of molasses and brown sugar ensures a soft, chewy texture every time
- Chocolate chips add a delightful contrast to the warm spices
- Quick prep time makes them perfect for busy holiday baking schedules
- Versatile enough for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or Santa’s cookie plate
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Best Ingredients for Soft Texture
The key to achieving that perfect soft gingerbread texture lies in using the right ratio of molasses to flour, and ensuring you don’t overbake. Look for unsulphured molasses for the most authentic flavor without bitterness.
Spice Selection Tips
For the most vibrant gingerbread chocolate chip cookies, use fresh spices if possible. Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg lose potency over time, so check the dates on your spice jars before starting.
Chocolate Chip Choices
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect balance with gingerbread spices, but you can also experiment with dark chocolate chunks for a more sophisticated flavor profile. White chocolate chips create a beautiful visual contrast and sweeter taste experience.
Ingredients & Prep for Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cookie Base Essentials
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Spice Blend Preparation
Before mixing your dough, measure and combine all your dry spices together. This ensures even distribution of those warming gingerbread flavors throughout your cookies.
Mix-In Options
Beyond chocolate chips, consider adding ½ cup of chopped crystallized ginger for extra spice and texture, or a handful of chopped nuts for crunch.
Step-by-Step Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies Instructions
Pre-Baking Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Allow butter and egg to reach room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
Mixing Your Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
Baking Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies to Perfection
- Scoop dough using a 1½-inch cookie scoop onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
- For extra visual appeal, press a few additional chocolate chips on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just set but centers still look slightly underdone.
- Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooling Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Allow cookies to cool completely before storing. For the best soft texture, slightly underbake the cookies they’ll continue cooking from residual heat on the baking sheet after removal from the oven.
Pro Tips for Perfect Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Avoiding Dry Gingerbread Cookies
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent the bottoms from browning too quickly.
- Store cookies with a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
Tool Recommendations
- A quality cookie scoop ensures uniform-sized cookies that bake evenly.
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment achieves the perfect creamed butter consistency.
Storage & Freshness
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen (add 1-2 minutes to baking time).
Looking for more festive baking inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board for beautiful cookie presentation ideas and more holiday treats! Follow me on Pinterest for a visual feast of delicious recipes that will get your creative juices flowing.
Flavor Variations for Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Spicy Gingerbread Twist
Increase the ground ginger to 1 tablespoon and add ¼ teaspoon of black pepper for a more intense, spicy gingerbread experience that warms you from the inside out.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water), and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Seasonal Inspirations
Add ½ teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy note that complements the spices beautifully.
| Variation | Added Ingredients | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Orange-Spice | ½ tsp orange zest + ¼ tsp cardamom | Roll in sugar before baking |
| Chocolate Lovers | Use ½ cup cocoa powder (reduce flour by same amount) | Increase baking time by 1-2 minutes |
| Nutty Gingerbread | Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts | Press a whole pecan on top before baking |
| Sea Salt Finish | Sprinkle flaky sea salt on cookies | Add salt immediately after baking |
Serving Suggestions for Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for the ultimate winter comfort treat.
- Create holiday cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
- Arrange on a festive platter with other holiday favorites for cookie exchanges or parties.
FAQs About Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. For the best flavor, let refrigerated dough come to room temperature before baking.
My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
If your cookies spread too much, your butter might have been too warm. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect cookie texture.
Can I reduce the sugar without affecting texture?
You can reduce the brown sugar by up to ¼ cup, but keep in mind this will impact both sweetness and texture. The molasses is essential for the gingerbread flavor and soft texture, so I don’t recommend reducing that.
Conclusion
These Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the nostalgic flavors of traditional holiday gingerbread with the beloved comfort of chocolate chip cookies. The result is a festive treat that will please both traditionalists and those looking for something new to add to their holiday cookie repertoire.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, preparing for Santa’s visit, or simply treating yourself to some holiday cheer, these cookies deliver warm spices, chocolate goodness, and that perfect soft-baked texture in every bite.
Give these cookies a try and join the thousands of GusRecipes fans who have made these a new holiday tradition! And while you’re in a baking mood, why not explore some of my other favorite holiday recipes?
Print
Soft Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Festive Twist!
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy gingerbread cookies loaded with melty chocolate chips and warm holiday spices. Perfectly spiced, irresistibly tender, and ideal for cozy winter baking or festive cookie platters.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
7. Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoon portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Do not overbake—cookies will continue to set as they cool.
For extra softness, store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
Mini chocolate chips work great for more even chocolate distribution.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Keywords: gingerbread cookies, chocolate chip gingerbread, soft cookies, holiday baking