Name: Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup shortening; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/3 cup molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, fluff then scoop; 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 3-4 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste; Sprinkles (optional, for decorating)

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If you’re searching for a cozy, vibrant treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe. These delightful cookies perfectly balance the rich, spicy notes of ginger and cinnamon with a sweet, creamy frosting that turns every bite into a festive celebration. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something special, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bring comfort and joy with every mouthwatering crumb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five round dough balls arranged separately on a flat white marbled surface. Each dough ball is smooth with a light tan color and has a soft texture with gentle wrinkles on the surface. The balls are placed with some space between them, and the lighting highlights their slightly matte finish. The scene is simple with no additional layers or items, focusing closely on the dough balls themselves photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe uses simple but essential ingredients, each carefully selected to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the soft, buttery base to the aromatic spices that give the cookies their signature warmth, every component plays a starring role.

Shortening: Adds tenderness and helps cookies hold their shape.
Salted butter (softened): Contributes rich flavor and moist texture.
Brown sugar (packed): Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness and chewiness.
Granulated sugar: Balances flavors and promotes a lovely crisp edge.
Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
Molasses: The heart of the spice flavor, providing depth and moisture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
Ground cinnamon: A key spice adding warmth and a hint of sweetness.
Ground ginger: Offers that classic ginger bite every ginger cookie needs.
Ground cloves: Adds a subtle, aromatic touch that rounds out the spice mix.
Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavor.
Baking soda: Leavens the cookies for a soft yet slightly crisp bite.
All-purpose flour (fluff then scoop): The sturdy base that gives the cookies structure.
Butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy, rich frosting texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
Vanilla extract or vanilla paste (for frosting): Adds fragrant depth to the frosting’s sweetness.

How to Make Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine shortening, softened salted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy—this creates the perfect light and tender texture for the cookies.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and a rich, complex sweetness that’s vital for authentic ginger cookies. Beat until everything is well combined and luscious.

Step 4: Incorporate the Spices and Leavening

Add ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, salt, and baking soda next. Mixing these spices thoroughly ensures that each cookie bursts with warm, inviting flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Mix in the Flour

Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so it’s important to stop as soon as you see a uniform dough forming.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough into 2 tablespoon-sized balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread as they bake without sticking together.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 11 minutes, or until the edges are firm and centers look just set (refer to baking size adjustments if making smaller or larger cookies). Then, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet to set up perfectly before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While the cookies cool, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, the perfect consistency for frosting your ginger delights.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Spread a generous layer of frosting over each cookie, and add festive sprinkles if you like. This finishing touch adds a delightful sweetness and a pop of color that’s as cheerful as the spices in the cookie.

How to Serve Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe

The image shows a group of round cookies arranged on a white marbled surface with a white tray visible on the right side. Each cookie has one layer of light brown baked dough at the bottom, topped by a smooth, even layer of white frosting spread across the top surface. On this white frosting layer, colorful red, green, and light green sprinkles in small round and elongated shapes are scattered, adding a festive look. A container filled with more green and red sprinkles is partially visible on the top right corner of the image. The cookies are close together but not touching, and the photo has a bright, clean appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While sprinkles are classic, you can also try crushed crystallized ginger or finely chopped nuts for a little extra crunch and zing. These garnishes complement the spice profile beautifully and make each cookie look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Serve these frosted gems with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy latte to amplify their spicy notes. For an indulgent treat, pair with vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with fresh cranberries and evergreen sprigs for holiday charm. You can also stack them with parchment paper between layers in a decorative tin, turning your baking efforts into a cherished gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To preserve the frosting, store layers separately with parchment paper between cookies, then frost just before serving for fresh, vibrant flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or frosted cookies separately. For dough, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. For frosted cookies, flash freeze on a tray before storing to prevent smudging.

Reheating

Gently warm cookies in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to revive softness and enjoy them as if freshly baked. Avoid overheating to keep frosting from melting too much and losing its lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for shortening in this Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but keep in mind that shortening helps make the cookies tender and keeps their shape. Butter will add richer flavor but may result in slightly flatter cookies.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures like regular flour. The texture might vary a little, but the delicious spiced flavor will remain.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add a pinch of salt or a small amount of lemon juice to balance the sweetness without compromising creaminess.

Can I use honey instead of molasses?

Honey will change the flavor profile, as molasses gives a deep, smoky note essential to ginger cookies. If using honey, expect a milder, sweeter cookie with less spicy depth.

How long do the Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to a week at room temperature. Beyond that, the cookies may dry out or the frosting can lose its texture.

Final Thoughts

This Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of comfort and celebration rolled into one. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies invite you to savor the magic of spices and sweet frosting, creating moments worth sharing. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—your kitchen will thank you, and your loved ones will too!