Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Few holiday treats capture the warmth and nostalgia of the season like soft, spiced gingerbread cookies. But when you pair those cozy flavors with a silky, tangy cream cheese frosting? You get the kind of Christmas cookie people talk about all year long. These Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the richness of molasses, the warmth of classic winter spices, and the irresistible creaminess of homemade frosting.

This is the ultimate holiday cookie—soft, tender, perfectly spiced, and crowned with a luxurious layer of frosting that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Ideal for cookie trays, dessert tables, gifting, decorating with kids, or simply enjoying with a warm drink during a cozy winter evening.

This long-form recipe (over 1800 words) guides you through everything: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, frosting techniques, expert tips, variations, and extensive FAQs. This recipe includes no pork, no alcohol, and no alcohol-based extracts—just festive, family-friendly ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft, Tender Texture

These cookies are pillowy and moist, with a cake-like center that pairs perfectly with creamy frosting.

Rich, Festive Flavor

Classic gingerbread spices—ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—shine brightly.

Frosting That Elevates Everything

The cream cheese frosting is sweet, tangy, smooth, and indulgent without overwhelming the cookie.

Decorator-Friendly

You can pipe swirls, spread frosting with a knife, or add sprinkles.

Great for Any Holiday Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing gift boxes, these cookies stand out beautifully.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Bake them one day, frost the next—flavors deepen over time.

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Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Below are the ingredients for both the cookies and the frosting, using wholesome, holiday-safe components.

Ingredients for the Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free butter if needed)

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ cup unsulfured molasses

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free)

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 2–2½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: holiday sprinkles, cinnamon dust, colored sugar

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How to Make Gingerbread Cookies

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. This step helps create the soft texture.

Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla

Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth and fully incorporated.

Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry mixture until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. This prevents spreading and makes rolling easier.

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Rolling and Shaping the Cookies

Prepare Your Surface

Lightly flour your counter or roll between two sheets of parchment for perfectly smooth dough.

Roll the Dough

Roll to ¼-inch thickness for soft, thick cookies. Roll slightly thinner for a more delicate bite.

Choose Cookie Shapes

Gingerbread people
Snowflakes
Stars
Trees
Circles (perfect for frosting swirls)

Cut and Transfer

Use a thin metal spatula to move shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Chill Again (Optional but Recommended)

Chill cut cookies for 10 minutes to guarantee zero spreading.

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Baking Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Set to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8–10 minutes.

• 8 minutes: very soft cookies

• 10 minutes: slightly firmer edges
  They should not brown significantly.

Cool Completely

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Cookies must be fully cool before frosting.

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Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

This frosting is rich, velvety, slightly tangy, and unbelievably delicious.

Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter

Mix until smooth and lump-free.

Add Vanilla and Salt

Mix until incorporated.

Add Powdered Sugar Gradually

Start with 2 cups and add more for thickness.

Adjust Consistency

• For piping: add extra powdered sugar

• For spreading: keep it soft and creamy

Refrigerate frosting if it becomes too soft while decorating.

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Frosting the Gingerbread Cookies

Classic Swirled Frosting

Use a piping bag with a round or star tip to swirl frosting onto circular cookies.

Spread with a Knife

Rustic and simple—perfect for kids.

Outline and Fill

For shaped cookies, you can pipe outlines and fill with a thinner frosting version.

Add Finishing Touches

Before frosting sets, decorate with:

• Sprinkles

• Crushed peppermint

• Colored sugar

• Cinnamon dust

• Edible glitter

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Flavor Variations for Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Replace vanilla with ½–1 teaspoon maple syrup.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Add ½ teaspoon fresh orange zest—a beautiful winter citrus twist.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon for extra warmth.

Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Increase ginger to 1½ tablespoons and cinnamon to 1¼ tablespoons.

Chocolate-Dipped Edges

Dip half of each frosted cookie in melted chocolate (alcohol-free).

Lemon Gingerbread

Add ½ teaspoon lemon zest for a bright, soft citrus contrast.

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Tips for Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Don’t Overbake

Soft gingerbread is achieved by baking until just set.

Chill the Dough

Cold dough prevents spreading and enhances flavor.

Use Fresh Spices

Fresh spices = bold holiday flavors.

Roll Evenly

Consistent thickness ensures even baking and soft centers.

Let Cookies Cool Before Frosting

Warm cookies will melt frosting instantly.

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Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

Use Fully Softened Ingredients

Cold cream cheese creates lumps.

Don’t Overbeat

Overmixing introduces air bubbles.

Refrigerate as Needed

Cream cheese frosting softens quickly at room temperature.

Thick Frosting for Piping

Add more powdered sugar for beautiful swirls.

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How to Store Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Refrigeration

Because of the frosting, store cookies in the refrigerator.
Place in airtight containers for up to 5–6 days.

Freezing Unfrosted Cookies

Freeze cookies for up to 2–3 months. Thaw before frosting.

Freezing Frosted Cookies

Freeze on a tray first, then stack with parchment between layers.

Prevent Drying

Add a small sheet of parchment or wax paper over cookies when stored.

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Serving Ideas for Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Holiday Dessert Table

A colorful addition to Christmas dessert spreads.

Perfect for Gifting

Place in decorative tins or boxes with tissue paper.

Serve with Warm Drinks

Pair beautifully with:

• Hot chocolate

• Ginger tea

• Cinnamon steamed milk

• Nonalcoholic cider

• Vanilla chai (nonalcoholic)

Great for Decorating Parties

Prepare cookies and frosting ahead for easy holiday fun.

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Using These Cookies for Festive Occasions

These soft frosted cookies add charm and flavor to seasonal gatherings.

Christmas Cookie Exchanges

Frosted cookies always stand out.

Holiday Parties

Their soft texture makes them safe for all ages.

School or Office Treats

Festive, beautiful, and universally loved.

Family Baking Nights

Kids enjoy decorating these soft, easy-to-handle cookies.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Cookies Spread

• Dough wasn’t chilled enough

• Butter too warm

• Not enough flour

Cookies Too Hard

• Overbaked

• Rolled too thin

Dough Crumbling

• Too much flour

• Dry measuring cups packed too tightly

Frosting Too Soft

• Add powdered sugar

• Chill 15 minutes

Frosting Lumpy

• Cream cheese was too cold

• Powdered sugar added too quickly

Frosting Melts on Cookies

• Cookies were still warm

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze for 2–3 months.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes—chilling ensures clean shapes and prevents spreading.

Can I use dairy-free cream cheese?

Absolutely. Use a thick, stable dairy-free brand.

Will these cookies be soft or crisp?

They are intentionally soft and tender.

Do these cookies hold shape well?

Yes, especially after chilling the cutouts.

Can I reduce the spices?

Yes—adjust spices based on preference.

Does the frosting harden?

It stays soft but firms slightly in the refrigerator.

Can kids help decorate them?

Definitely! This recipe is very kid-friendly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes—use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Do these cookies freeze well once frosted?

Yes—freeze on a tray first, then transfer to containers.

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Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine everything wonderful about holiday baking—warm spices, soft textures, festive decorations, and creamy, irresistible frosting. These cookies look beautiful on holiday dessert tables, taste incredible with seasonal drinks, and make fantastic edible gifts for friends and family.