Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies

When the air turns crisp and the holiday spirit is in full swing, there’s nothing better than filling your kitchen with the aroma of warm ginger and cinnamon. These spiced chocolate chip gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic with a modern twist: rich, bittersweet dark chocolate chunks and drops.

Whether you’re prepping for a Christmas cookie swap or just indulging in a cozy winter treat, these cookies are destined to become your go-to seasonal bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough, creating a soft and chewy structure.
• Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): The key to creating that warm, spicy flavor profile.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensure the cookies rise properly and have a soft, pillowy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor; using it cold helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar balances sweetness.
• Molasses: A touch of molasses provides a deep, earthy sweetness and classic gingerbread flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Chunks & Drops: Adding a luxurious, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To evenly portion out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 209 g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 112 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 140 g (2/3 cup) brown sugar
• 40 g (3 tablespoons) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon) molasses (not blackstrap)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 180 g (1 cup) dark chocolate chunks and drops

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the cold, cubed butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and no visible lumps of butter remain.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Start mixing gently by hand to incorporate, then use a mixer on low speed until a dough forms.
5. Add Chocolate: Fold in the dark chocolate chunks and drops using a spatula or spoon until evenly distributed.

Shape & Chill the Dough:

1. Shape Dough Balls: Scoop out the dough into balls using a large cookie scoop, approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup of dough per ball. Place them on a plate and cover.
2. Chill Dough: Freeze the dough balls for at least 30 minutes, or up to 48 hours, to prevent spreading during baking.

Bake to Perfection & Enjoy:

1. Prepare to Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mats.
2. Bake Cookies: Arrange the chilled dough balls on the prepared sheets, spacing them about 3-3.5 inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven for 14-17 minutes, or until the tops are just set.
3. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Enjoy: Serve and savor these spiced chocolate chip ginger bread cookies with melted dark chocolate!

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Chop Your Chocolate Strategically: For pools of melty chocolate, use a mix of chunks and drops.
• Don’t Skip Freezing: This step ensures thick cookies with soft centers.
• Monitor Bake Time: Slightly underbaking the cookies guarantees a chewy texture, as they’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
• Store Properly: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and reheat them briefly in the microwave before serving.

General Tips:

• Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure uniform cookie sizes. This helps them bake evenly and ensures they are all done at the same time.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking. If you don’t have either, make sure to lightly grease the baking sheets.
• Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
• Serving: Serve these cookies slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies:

• Warm Holiday Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a festive aroma and flavor that’s unmistakably Christmassy.
• Dark Chocolate Upgrade: Using dark chocolate chunks and drops gives the cookies a sophisticated, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• Balanced Sweetness: By reducing the sugar, the spiced and chocolate notes are highlighted, making each bite complex and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped and frozen, so you can bake fresh cookies anytime the craving strikes.
• Soft Centers with Crisp Edges: The ideal cookie texture—chewy in the middle and slightly crisp around the edges.

More Christmas Baking Ideas:

• Marbled Chocolate Christmas Cookies – Elegant and easy, these buttery cookies are decorated with swirls of white and dark chocolate for a dazzling holiday treat.
• Santa Hat Cookies – These jam-filled Linzer cookies shaped like Santa hats will be the highlight of your cookie exchange this year!
• Melted Snowman Cookies – Creative and delicious, these cookies feature melted marshmallows and charming decorations for a frosty holiday vibe.
• Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne) – A timeless classic made with nuts and cinnamon, these star-shaped cookies are a staple of holiday baking.
• Roasted Matcha Cookies – With their unique roasted matcha flavor and creamy topping, these cookies bring a modern twist to your holiday treats.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: