Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Featured in Sweet treats that make you happy.

Make a batch of these warm, buttery cookies packed with molasses and spices. Chill the dough before baking to get perfectly soft and tasty cookies every time.

Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Mon, 05 May 2025 11:23:21 GMT
A cozy view of gingerbread cookies shaped like little men, topped with white icing and powdered sugar. Pin it
A cozy view of gingerbread cookies shaped like little men, topped with white icing and powdered sugar. | tastyhush.com

Buttery Garlic Shrimp Linguine with White Wine creates the perfect combo for date nights or lazy weekends. I can't get enough of how the sauce clings to every pasta strand while the shrimp soak up all that buttery garlic flavor. It's my little trick to bring restaurant-worthy food right into my home without the fancy prices.

Why You'll Fall For This Dish

There's something magical about how this meal walks the line between homey and sophisticated. When those juicy shrimp mix with the herbs and wine sauce, you get something that feels fancy but doesn't need hours in the kitchen. I make this whenever I want to wow someone or just treat myself after a tough week.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Butter: 4 tablespoons that give everything a lovely richness.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves freshly minced for that punchy taste.
  • Broth: 4 cups to cook your pasta and add flavor layers.
  • Water: 2 cups for pasta cooking needs.
  • Linguine: 1 pound that catches sauce beautifully.
  • Shrimp: 1½ pounds making this truly filling.
  • White Wine: ¾ cup dry creates that amazing tang.
  • Sage: ¼ cup fresh adds that earthy note.
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup turns everything silky smooth.
  • Parmesan: ½ cup grated right off the block.
  • Parsley: ½ cup brings color and freshness.
  • Lemon: 1 whole to wake up all flavors.
  • Salt and Pepper: Just enough to make everything pop.

Simple Cooking Steps

Get Your Pasta Going
Melt the butter in a big pan and toss in half the garlic until you smell that amazing aroma. Pour in broth with water, let it bubble, then cook your linguine until it's still got a bit of bite.
Cook Those Shrimp
Grab another pan, melt the remaining butter and quickly cook shrimp just until they turn peachy-pink.
Create Your Sauce
Throw in the rest of the garlic, sage leaves, and splash in the wine with your shrimp. Let everything bubble down and mix together.
Bring It All Together
Mix your shrimp mixture with the cooked pasta. Pour in the cream, sprinkle cheese, and squeeze some lemon juice over everything. Give it a good toss and you're done!

Insider Cooking Secrets

Don't overcook your shrimp or they'll get rubbery - just a quick cook till they turn pink does the trick. Always save a cup of that starchy pasta water to thin out your sauce if needed. And don't skip that final lemon squeeze, it really brightens up the whole dish.

A variety of decorated gingerbread cookies, including a smiling gingerbread man with icing details, are arranged on a parchment-lined baking tray. Pin it
A variety of decorated gingerbread cookies, including a smiling gingerbread man with icing details, are arranged on a parchment-lined baking tray. | tastyhush.com

Customization Ideas

Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for something lighter. Throw in some baby spinach or sliced zucchini for extra veggies. You can also switch up your herbs - try fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings

This pasta tastes amazing with some warm bread to mop up that sauce. Add a simple green salad with tangy dressing on the side for balance. And don't forget a cool glass of white wine to wash it all down!

Storing What's Left

Got leftovers? Pop them in a sealed container in your fridge and they'll stay good for about three days. When you're ready to eat again, warm everything slowly on the stove with a little splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life.

The Science Behind The Flavors

What makes this dish work so well is how straightforward yet balanced it is. The wine sauce gives you richness without heaviness, letting both the shrimp and herbs stand out in every mouthful.

A close-up of decorated gingerbread cookies shaped like gingerbread men, featuring white icing details on a light background. Pin it
A close-up of decorated gingerbread cookies shaped like gingerbread men, featuring white icing details on a light background. | tastyhush.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the purpose of chilling the dough?

It firms up the butter and lets the flour hydrate, making rolling easier and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

→ How thick should I make the dough?

The ideal thickness is about 1/4 inch. If it’s too thin, they’ll turn crispy. Too thick, and they may not bake evenly.

→ How can I tell when they’re baked?

Press lightly on a cookie—if it springs back but still feels soft, it’s ready. Small cookies take 6-8 minutes, medium ones 8-10, and large ones 12-14.

→ Can the dough be prepared in advance?

Absolutely! Keep it chilled overnight. Let it sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften before rolling.

→ Is blackstrap molasses okay to use?

No, it’s too bold and bitter for these cookies. Stick to regular molasses for just the right sweetness and taste.

Conclusion

These holiday favorites combine sweet molasses with rich spices for a soft and irresistible treat. They’re ideal for decorating or just enjoying as they are. Perfect for holiday fun and gatherings.

Gingerbread Soft Cookies

Tender and flavorful cookies spiced for the holidays. Perfect for shaping into festive designs.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Sweets

Yield: 50 Servings (50 cookies, medium size)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup light brown sugar, packed.
02 1 cup softened butter.
03 1 tablespoon cider vinegar.
04 1 teaspoon baking soda.
05 1/2 teaspoon table salt.
06 1/2 teaspoon clove powder.
07 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice (allspice).
08 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ground.
09 1 tablespoon ginger, ground.
10 1/4 teaspoon of powdered nutmeg.
11 5 cups of plain flour.
12 1 large egg.
13 1 cup of unsulfured molasses (not blackstrap).
14 2 teaspoons pure vanilla.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together the flour, salt, spices, and baking soda in a separate bowl.

Step 02

Cream together sugar and butter. Blend in egg, molasses, vinegar, and vanilla till smooth.

Step 03

Wrap the dough and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or leave overnight.

Step 04

Flatten dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured counter. Use cutters for shapes.

Step 05

Bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes for small cookies, 8-10 minutes for medium, or 12-14 minutes for larger ones.

Notes

  1. Don’t overwork the dough when mixing.
  2. Group cookies of the same size on one tray for even baking.
  3. Store in an airtight box and enjoy within a week or two.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric hand or stand mixer.
  • Cookie sheets for baking.
  • Shaped cutters for cookies.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (butter).
  • Egg allergy.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 114
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 1 g