3-Ingredient Gingerbread Cookies

The Easiest Gingerbread Cookies You Will Ever Make

Gingerbread cookies are a staple of the Christmas season, filling the kitchen with warm spices and nostalgic aromas. But sometimes, the holiday schedule gets hectic—between gift shopping, decorating, parties, and family gatherings—leaving little time for complex recipes. That’s where 3-ingredient gingerbread cookies come in.

These cookies are incredibly simple yet surprisingly delicious. With only three everyday ingredients, you can whip up soft, flavorful gingerbread cookies in minutes—no long ingredient list, no complicated steps, and no special equipment needed. They’re perfect for beginners, busy families, last-minute gatherings, and anyone craving a holiday treat without a long prep time.

Whether you want a quick batch for movie night, need easy cookies for the kids to decorate, or simply want to fill your home with that classic gingerbread aroma, this recipe delivers everything you need with minimal effort.

This guide walks you through the recipe, dough tips, texture tricks, decorating ideas, variations, and expert advice for making the most out of a simple 3-ingredient cookie. Even though the recipe uses fewer ingredients than traditional gingerbread, the flavor and soft texture will surprise you—in the best way.

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The 3 Ingredients You Need for These Gingerbread Cookies

This recipe works because it uses ingredients already rich in flavor and moisture, making the dough easy to work with.

Ingredient 1: Gingerbread Spice Cake Mix

Most spice cake mixes include ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and sweet brown sugar—all the flavors needed for gingerbread cookies. When combined with a moistener, it transforms beautifully into soft dough.

Ingredient 2: Molasses

Molasses deepens the gingerbread flavor and adds moisture. It also gives the cookies their classic rich color.

Ingredient 3: Butter or Oil

Butter gives a richer flavor, but oil works if you prefer a dairy-free version. Both help soften and bind the dough, turning the cake mix into a cookie dough consistency.

That’s it—three ingredients, instantly recognizable as gingerbread, and incredibly easy to combine.

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Exact Measurements for Perfect 3-Ingredient Gingerbread Cookies

• 1 box (approximately 15 oz) gingerbread or spice cake mix

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1/2 cup melted butter or neutral oil

Optional but recommended:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (for extra kick)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for warmth)

• Sugar for rolling cookies

Even though the base recipe requires only three ingredients, the optional spices add richness without complicating the process.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

These are the simplest gingerbread cookies you may ever bake.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, molasses, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until a firm dough forms. If dough feels sticky, chill for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. For a festive finish, roll the balls in sugar before baking.

Step 3: Bake

Place rolled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are set and centers look soft.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet 2 minutes before transferring to a rack. They firm as they cool but stay soft and chewy.

These cookies bake quickly and smell incredible—warm, sweet, and comforting.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well with Only 3 Ingredients

It’s natural to wonder how a gingerbread cookie can taste so good with such a short ingredient list. The secret lies in the spice cake mix and molasses combination.

• Spice cake mix already contains warming spices and sugar

• Molasses brings depth and moisture

• Butter binds everything while adding richness

The blend creates a dough that resembles traditional gingerbread with none of the fuss.

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Texture Guide: Soft, Chewy, or Crispy Gingerbread Cookies

One recipe, multiple textures—here’s how to customize:

For Soft Cookies

• Reduce baking time to 8 minutes

• Let cool fully before storing

• Keep in an airtight container

For Chewy Cookies

• Use melted butter instead of oil

• Add an extra tablespoon of molasses

For Crisp Cookies

• Bake 10–12 minutes

• Flatten cookies slightly before baking

This flexibility makes the recipe ideal for all preferences.

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Decorating 3-Ingredient Gingerbread Cookies

Even though these cookies are incredibly simple, they decorate beautifully.

Easy Icing

Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or dairy-free milk until thick. Pipe simple lines, zig-zags, or dots.

Powdered Sugar Dusting

Sprinkle over cooled cookies for a snowy effect.

Dipped Cookies

Dip half of each cookie into melted white chocolate or dairy-free coating.

Sprinkles

Apply sprinkles to cookies right after baking while still warm.

These decorations transform your 3-ingredient cookies into festive masterpieces without adding effort.

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How to Turn These Cookies into Cutout Gingerbread Shapes

Most three-ingredient cookie doughs work best as drop cookies, but with one small tweak, you can turn this dough into a rollable cutout dough:

Cutout Method Instructions

1. Add 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free blend).

2. Chill dough for 20–30 minutes.

3. Roll between parchment paper sheets.

4. Cut shapes like trees, stars, or gingerbread figures.

Bake at 350°F for 7–8 minutes.

This makes the recipe perfect for decorating with kids or creating themed Christmas cookie trays.

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Flavor Variations You Can Try

Even with only three required ingredients, you can easily adjust flavors:

Spicy Gingerbread

Add extra ginger and cinnamon.

Chocolate Gingerbread

Mix in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.

Citrus Gingerbread

Add orange zest or lemon zest.

Maple Gingerbread

Replace some molasses with maple syrup.

Dairy-Free

Use oil or plant-based butter.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free spice cake mix.

These small changes create surprisingly different and delicious results.

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How to Store and Freeze These Cookies

Storing

Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread keeps them extra soft.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Freeze fully cooled cookies up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Freezing Dough

Roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

This recipe is ideal for batch prep during the busy holiday season.

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Creative Ways to Serve 3-Ingredient Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies may be simple to make, but they’re versatile and festive for serving.

Holiday Cookie Trays

Combine with sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, and chocolate cookies.

Hot Cocoa Bar

Serve alongside hot cocoa toppings for a cozy winter treat.

After-School Snack

Perfect for a sweet, seasonal treat without fuss.

Christmas Movie Night

Quick to bake and ideal for munching during holiday films.

Edible Gifts

Place in festive bags or cookie boxes for thoughtful homemade presents.

Simple, quick, delicious—these cookies enhance any holiday moment.

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Tips for Making the Best 3-Ingredient Gingerbread Cookies

• Don’t overmix the dough

• Don’t overbake

• Chill dough if sticky

• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking

• Space cookies evenly—they may spread slightly

• Decorate only after fully cooled

These tips help ensure soft, chewy, perfect cookies every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without molasses?
Yes, though flavor will change. Replace with maple syrup or honey.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes. Oil makes them slightly softer but still delicious.

Can I turn these into cutout cookies?
Yes—add a bit of flour and chill the dough.

Can kids make this recipe?
Absolutely! It’s one of the easiest Christmas cookie recipes.

Do these taste like traditional gingerbread?
Yes—molasses and spices give a strong gingerbread flavor despite the minimal ingredients.

Do I need a mixer?
No. A bowl and spoon work perfectly.

Can I add mix-ins?
Yes—chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins work well.

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Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Gingerbread Cookies

• Incredibly easy

• Zero complex steps

• No chilling required (unless shaping)

• Delicious gingerbread flavor

• Perfect for gifting or decorating

• Kid-friendly

• Budget-friendly

• Ready in under 15 minutes

This recipe proves that holiday baking doesn’t need to be time-consuming or complicated to be magical.

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Conclusion: The Perfect Last-Minute Christmas Cookie

3-ingredient gingerbread cookies are the ultimate holiday hack. Whether you’re low on time, baking with kids, or simply want a warm, soft gingerbread cookie without the hassle of a full recipe, these cookies check all the boxes.

They offer classic holiday flavor with minimal work, and they’re flexible enough for decorating, shaping, gifting, or enjoying fresh from the oven. With simple ingredients, easy mixing, and delicious results, this recipe is one you’ll return to every Christmas season.

Fast, festive, and surprisingly flavorful—these cookies prove that sometimes the easiest recipes really are the best.