Lauren’s gingerbread cookies with maple glaze

The holidays just aren’t complete without the comforting aroma of gingerbread filling the kitchen!

These are my absolute favorite cookies to bake this time of year—soft, spiced perfection with a dreamy maple glaze that takes them over the top.

Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I hope these cookies bring a little extra joy to your holiday season.

Lauren’s gingerbread cookies with maple glaze

Yields: About 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup molasses
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1–2 teaspoons ground ginger
• Granulated sugar (for rolling)

Maple Glaze

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (180 grams)
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed, a teaspoon at a time)
• Pinch of salt (to taste)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Scoop the dough into small balls (slightly smaller than a golf ball). Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
5. Bake for 9-11 minutes. Remove from the pan and let the cookies cool slightly, allowing them to sink and flatten as they cool.
6. Make the glaze: Whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. The glaze should be thick but dippable. Add more milk a teaspoon at a time if needed.
7. Once cookies are cooled, dip one side into the glaze. Run the edge of the cookie along the side of the bowl to remove excess drips. Place cookies on wax paper and decorate with sprinkles before the glaze sets.