14 Best Chewy Gingerbread Recipes for the Holidays

There's just something about the holidays that makes me crave those delightful, chewy gingerbread cookies. You know what I mean, right? That warm, spicy aroma filling the house, and the soft, chewy bite that makes you feel like a kid again. Whether you're a gingerbread enthusiast like me or you just love making festive treats, I've got a fantastic list for you.

"14 Best Chewy Gingerbread Recipes for the Holidays" is exactly what you need to make your holiday season extra special. These recipes are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of hot cocoa.

So, preheat your oven, dust off that rolling pin, and let's dive into these irresistibly chewy gingerbread recipes!

1. Traditional Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

No holiday season is complete without the timeless classic. These traditional gingerbread cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with spicy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, brown sugar, spices, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
2. Add butter, molasses, and milk, mixing until well combined.
3. Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out shapes.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
7. Let cool on wire racks before decorating.

2. Chewy Gingerbread Bars

For a quick and easy twist on traditional cookies, these gingerbread bars are perfect.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine melted butter, sugars, egg, and molasses.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan before cutting into squares.

3. Chewy Almond Gingerbread Cookies

These chewy almond gingerbread cookies add a nutty twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat together butter and sugar until creamy in another bowl.
4. Add egg, molasses, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until combined.
6. Stir in chopped almonds.
7. Drop tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
9. Cool on wire racks.

4. Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

These crinkle cookies are soft, chewy, and have a beautiful crackly appearance.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and molasses, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll in granulated sugar.
7. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Cool on wire racks.

5. Chewy Gingerbread Blondies

Blondies get a festive upgrade with this gingerbread version. They're gooey and absolutely delightful.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugars until combined.
3. Add eggs, molasses, and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Stir in flour, baking soda, spices, and salt until just combined.
5. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely in pan before slicing.

6. Chewy Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Cookies

Why not combine gingerbread with everyone's favorite – chocolate chips? These are a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and molasses, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Fold in chocolate chips.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
9. Cool on wire racks.

7. Chewy Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Adding oats to gingerbread cookies gives them a wonderful texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add molasses and egg, mixing well.
5. Gradarily add flour mixture and oats, stirring until combined.
6. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
8. Let cool on wire racks.

8. Chewy Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

These adorable whoopie pies are two chewy gingerbread cookies sandwiching a creamy filling.

Ingredients for Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup milk

Ingredients for Filling:

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg, molasses, and milk, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until combined.
6. Drop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are set.
8. Let cool completely on wire racks.
9. For filling, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
11. Spread filling on the flat side of a cookie and top with another.

9. Chewy Gingerbread Muffins

For a gingerbread treat that's perfect with your morning coffee, these muffins hit the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Beat melted butter, sugars, and egg until combined.
4. Add molasses and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in tin for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

10. Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

These vegan gingerbread cookies are just as soft and chewy as the original.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine coconut oil, sugars, molasses, applesauce, and vanilla.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and place on baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
7. Cool on wire racks.

11. Chewy Lemon Glazed Gingerbread Cookies

A zesty lemon glaze adds a delightful twist to these chewy gingerbread cookies.

Ingredients for Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses

Ingredients for Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and molasses, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
8. Cool on wire racks.
9. For glaze, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
10. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

12. Chewy Gingerbread Biscotti

These gingerbread biscotti are perfect for dunking in your favorite holiday beverage.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Beat melted butter, sugars, eggs, and molasses until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients until dough forms.
5. Divide dough in half and shape each into a log on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm.
7. Cool for 10 minutes, then slice into 1/2 inch pieces.
8. Lay slices flat on baking sheet and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
9. Cool completely on wire racks.

13. Chewy Spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes

These gingerbread cupcakes are moist, spiced, and topped with a creamy frosting.

Ingredients for Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup milk

Ingredients for Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, molasses, and milk, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until combined.
6. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely on wire racks.
9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined.
11. Frost cooled cupcakes.

14. Chewy Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies

These thumbprint cookies are filled with a rich caramel or chocolate center, making them extra special.

Ingredients for Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses

Ingredients for Filling:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce or chocolate ganache (your choice)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and molasses, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and place on baking sheets.
7. Make an indentation in the center with your thumb.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
9. Fill with caramel sauce or chocolate ganache after cooling.

Conclusion

These my "14 Best Chewy Gingerbread Recipes for the Holidays." From classic cookies to creative twists, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Happy baking!