Big Soft Ginger Cookies are a real comfort, especially when the weather starts to turn cool. For over 40 years, I’ve seen how a simple cookie can bring smiles to a kitchen.
As Chef Thomas, I’ve learned that the best recipes are the ones that work every time, without a fuss. These cookies are exactly that.
They’re perfectly soft and chewy, packed with that warm gingerbread spice, and just sweet enough. You can smell them baking clear down the street, and they always disappear fast.
If you’re craving another easy homemade dessert, don’t miss these Magic Cookie Bars.
- Soft and chewy with a well-balanced spice profile
- Simple method that doesn’t require special equipment
- Uses pantry staples most people already have
- Can spread more than expected if dough is too warm
- Flavor deepens over time, so first-day taste is slightly milder
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Big Soft Ginger Cookies
This recipe for big soft ginger cookies isn’t just another cookie recipe. It’s a reminder of what baking at home should feel like: comforting, simple, and rewarding.
I remember teaching my own kids how to bake, and a recipe like this was always a favorite because it’s hard to mess up. There’s no fancy equipment needed, just a bowl and a mixer.
You get to watch the dough come together, smell the spices as you mix, and then the whole house fills with that wonderful aroma as they bake. For me, Chef Thomas, a good cookie is about more than just taste; it’s about the feeling it creates. These cookies have that warm, nostalgic feeling built right in.
If you enjoy simple, homemade treats like this, you might also like these Banana Oatmeal Bars.
Get The Big Soft Ginger Cookies Recipe
Big Soft Ginger Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside
- In a large bowl using a handheld mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together softened margarine and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)
- Add in the egg and mix till combined
- Using a spatula, stir in water and molasses until fully combined
- Slowly add in the flour mixture into the butter mixture and stir until no flour remains visible
- Roll the dough into 2 tbsp sized balls and roll in the remaining2 tbsp of granulated sugar
- Place cookie dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, about 2 inches apart and flatten slightly
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes
- Remove cookies from oven and allow to cool on the pan
Ingredients for Big Soft Ginger Cookies
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups |
| Ground ginger | 2 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | ¾ teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Softened margarine | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup + 2 tbsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Water | 1 tbsp |
| Molasses | ¼ cup |
When gathering your ingredients, make sure your margarine is truly softened, not melted. This helps it cream properly with the sugar. Fresh spices also make a big difference in flavor, so check the dates on your jars.
FREE Kitchen Tools to Make Cooking Easier
I created these free tools to help you cook smarter, reduce waste, and adjust recipes instantly.
How To Make Big Soft Ginger Cookies
Chef Thomas’s Tip: Whisking these dry ingredients well ensures the spices and leavening are evenly spread throughout the dough, preventing pockets of plain flour or too much spice.
Chef Thomas’s Tip: Molasses adds that classic dark color and distinct flavor to ginger cookies. Don’t skip it.
Equipment and Tools I Used for This Recipe
When I make a batch of soft ginger cookies, I keep the setup simple and reliable. With a few basic tools, the process stays smooth from mixing the dough to baking evenly in the oven.
- SELF-CONTROL SPEED – Features 5 adjustable speeds, ranging from 1 (Lowest) to 5 (Highest), allowing you to choose the id…
- MIX & WHIP INGREDIENTS WITH EASE – Equipped with 150 watts of motor power and 2 stainless steel whisk beater attachments…
- ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED – The shape of the mixer is crafted for a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold during use. Ch…
If you like keeping your kitchen setup practical and efficient, you can browse my complete list of recommended cooking essentials.
Tips From Chet Thomas
How I Serve Big Soft Ginger Cookies
These big soft ginger cookies are wonderful on their own, fresh from the oven, still a little warm.
For those who enjoy classic combinations, the experts at Chosen Foods suggest that rich milk is a delightful pairing with spiced ginger cookies.
I often serve them with a tall glass of cold milk, especially for the kids. For the adults, a cup of hot black tea or even a simple cup of coffee makes a nice pairing. They’re also a favorite to bring to potlucks or as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
If you’d like to learn more about the tradition behind these flavors, you can explore the history of gingerbread, which inspired many classic spiced cookies like these.
Variations and Adjustments for Big Soft Ginger Cookies
If you want to change things up a bit, there are a few simple adjustments you can try. For an extra kick, add ½ teaspoon of finely grated fresh ginger to the dough along with the dry spices.
You could also mix in ½ cup of white chocolate chips or chopped candied ginger if you like more texture and sweetness. If you prefer a chewier cookie, you can reduce the baking time by a minute, keeping an eye on them. For a crispier edge, bake them for the full 10 minutes or even 11 if your oven runs cool.
If you enjoy experimenting with textures and layers in desserts, you might also like this Cookie Dough Trifle.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Once completely cool, store these ginger cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3–4 days.
You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months; just thaw them at room temperature.
For make-ahead options, you can roll the dough balls in sugar and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on parchment-lined sheets and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
If you’re looking for another easy, make-ahead treat, these Oatmeal Crispies are a great option to keep on hand.
FAQ About Big Soft Ginger Cookies
Why are my ginger cookies spreading too much?
Cookies often spread too much if the butter or margarine was too soft, or even melted. Make sure it’s just softened to room temperature. Also, chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before rolling can help.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter in place of margarine. The flavor will be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious. Make sure it’s softened properly.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look a little soft. They will firm up as they cool on the pan. Overbaking them will make them hard instead of soft.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling.
What kind of molasses should I use?
I recommend using unsulphured regular molasses, sometimes labeled as ‘light’ or ‘dark’ molasses. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as its flavor is much stronger and can be overpowering in these cookies.
My cookies aren’t as soft as I’d like. What went wrong?
Most likely, they were baked too long. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone. They continue to cook a little on the hot baking sheet.
Final Thoughts on Big Soft Ginger Cookies
These big soft ginger cookies have been a staple in my kitchen for a long time, and I hope they become one in yours too. There’s a real satisfaction in making something simple and delicious that everyone enjoys.
Remember, baking should be a pleasure, not a chore. Don’t worry about them being absolutely perfect; just enjoy the process and the wonderful smells filling your home.
For Chef Thomas, sharing these proven recipes is what it’s all about, making good food accessible to every family table. Give them a try, and taste the warmth and comfort they bring.
If you’d like to explore another classic cookie with a different texture, take a look at these Cracked Sugar Cookies.
Bake 500 Irresistible Desserts at Home
Discover 500 mouthwatering dessert recipes from quick treats to bakery-style favorites you can easily make at home.
