Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies to Delight Your Holidays

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Kacper Recipes Team

When the first chill of winter settles in, it feels like an invitation to fill my kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. This is exactly how the tradition of baking arises, and nothing embodies that spirit quite like these Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies. Each one is a perfect blend of rich chocolate and the spicy sweetness of ginger, offering the ultimate comfort during the bustling holiday season.

Picture this: you take a bite, and the crispy edges give way to a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth, punctuated by the warmth of ginger and molasses. These cookies not only deliver on flavor, but their crackled tops provide a festive touch perfect for any gathering. The best part? They re incredibly simple to whip up with no chilling required, allowing you to savor more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. So, let s dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a seasonal staple in your home!

Why are Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies a Must-Bake?

Warm spices and rich chocolate come together to create a unique treat that captures the essence of the holidays. Minimal effort is required, making it an ideal recipe for busy cooks. No chilling time means you can whip these up last minute! Perfectly chewy texture with crisp edges makes them irresistibly delightful. Impressive presentation with their crackled tops adds a festive flair to any gathering perfect for cookie swaps or gifting.

Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour Provides structure and bulk; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if necessary.
• Dutch Process Cocoa Powder Adds a rich chocolate flavor; use unsweetened cocoa if unavailable, adjusting sweetness accordingly.
• Baking Soda This leavening agent reacts with molasses for lift; ensure it s fresh for best results.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cloves These warm spices define gingerbread flavor; increase amounts for a spicier kick, or add nutmeg.
• Unsalted Butter Gives richness and moisture; opt for non-dairy butter or coconut oil as a dairy-free substitute.
• Granulated Sugar and Dark Brown Sugar Together, they provide sweetness and moisture; coconut sugar is a good lower glycemic option.
• Dark Molasses Offers deep flavor and moisture; regular dark molasses is preferred; blackstrap may be too strong.
• Egg Binds the ingredients and provides lift; for a vegan version, use a flax egg or applesauce.
• Granulated Sugar (for rolling) Adds sweetness and texture; consider mixing in spices for an extra flavor boost.
• Chocolate (Chips or Chunks) Increases the chocolate flavor; limit to 1 cup to maintain balance with the cookie dough.
• Heavy Cream (for ganache) Optional for making cookie sandwiches; coconut cream works for a dairy-free version.

These Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies are bound to impress with their delightful flavors and beautiful presentation, making your holiday baking a joyous experience!

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined. The mixture should look lovely and inviting, with a rich chocolate hue.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with granulated and dark brown sugars until the blend is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes; it s a vital step for that perfect chewy texture!

4. Incorporate Molasses and Egg: Add the dark molasses and egg to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is beautifully combined, and you can see that glossy richness coming through.

5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding until just combined. Be gentle here this will help keep your cookies nice and chewy!

6. Shape Dough: Roll the dough into balls, approximately 2 ounces each, then roll the balls in granulated sugar. This step adds a wonderful sweetness and texture that you ll love.

7. Bake: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on wire racks before digging in!

8. Optional Ganache (for Sandwiches): For a delightful twist, heat chocolate with heavy cream until smooth, then spread it between two cookies to create delicious sandwich cookies.

Optional: Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for an extra flavor boost.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep, saving you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance simply shape the dough into balls, roll them in sugar, and refrigerate in an airtight container. This helps maintain their delightful chewy texture and prevents over-spreading during baking. When you re ready to bake, just place the dough balls on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven as instructed! If you prefer, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time for perfectly delicious cookies. Enjoy delicious homemade treats with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies?

Indulge in the spirit of the season by creating a cozy meal that perfectly complements your delicious cookies.

• Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety, this drink enhances the chocolatey goodness of the cookies and warms the heart on chilly nights.

• Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in cider pair beautifully with gingerbread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that celebrate the holidays.

• Roasted Chestnuts: Their earthy flavor and soft texture provide a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies, adding a festive touch to your snack time.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this classic treat, served alongside the warm cookies, creates a luscious experience as the ice cream melts into the cookies chewy center.

• Gingerbread Latte: With its zesty notes of ginger and cinnamon, this coffee drink seamlessly ties the theme together, making every bite of cookie taste even more special.

• Pecan Pie Bars: Their sweet, nutty flavor complements the spiced richness of the cookies, offering a sweet bite that makes an impressive dessert duo.

• Chocolate Ganache Tart: Intensify the chocolate flavor with rich and silky ganache; this decadent dessert wraps up the meal on a high note.

• Holiday Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, the vibrant fruits will cleanse your palate and add a touch of color, brightening up your dessert spread.

• Mulled Wine: Infused with aromatic spices, this warming drink elevates the cookie experience and sets the festive mood for any gathering.

Expert Tips for Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

• Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh; expired baking soda can lead to flat, dense cookies instead of the chewy texture you want.
• Dough Consistency: Avoid over-mixing the cookie dough; this retains your chewy texture and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
• Uniform Sizing: Use a kitchen scale to weigh your dough balls for consistency. This ensures even baking and perfectly chewy cookies every time.
• Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them. This helps them maintain their crackled tops without breaking.
• Flavor Boost: Feel free to adapt the spices; a little extra ginger or cinnamon can add a personal touch to your Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies!

Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies Variations

Feel free to make this delightful recipe your own with these tempting alterations!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those avoiding gluten.
• Vegan: Use non-dairy butter and substitute the egg with flax egg or applesauce to transform these cookies into a plant-based delight.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper for a warm heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
• Chocolate-Covered: Dip baked cookies halfway in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat that looks as good as it tastes!
• Citrus Twist: Mix in ½ teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavor profile and add a refreshing contrast.
• Candied Ginger Boost: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped candied ginger for chewy bites filled with spicy sweetness.
• Nutty Texture: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch that complements the chewy softness.
• Festive Sprinkles: Roll dough balls in colorful holiday sprinkles before baking to create a fun and festive look that kids will adore!

With these variations, each batch of Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies will have a unique spin, making your holiday treats even more exciting!

Storage Tips for Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

• Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay moist and chewy.
• Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week. Just be sure to place them in a sealed container to avoid drying.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies flat in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you re ready to enjoy them, simply defrost at room temperature for a delightful treat anytime.
• Reheating: To revive your chewy chocolate gingerbread cookies, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel!

Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting ingredients like molasses?
Absolutely! When choosing molasses, opt for regular dark molasses for a deep, rich flavor. Be cautious with blackstrap molasses; it has a much stronger taste that can overpower your cookies. Check the label to ensure it s fresh, as old or improper storage can lead to a less desirable flavor and consistency.

How should I store my Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies?
For optimal freshness, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week, just make sure they re sealed well to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes! Freezing your cookie dough is a great option. Shape the dough into balls, then flash freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will last up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just pop them directly into a preheated oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

What if my cookies are spreading too much while baking?
Very! If you find that your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to the dough being too warm or not using enough flour. Make sure to spoon and level your flour when measuring, and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This should help them maintain their shape while baking.

Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
While Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies are delicious for humans, they contain ingredients like chocolate and sugars that aren t safe for pets, particularly dogs. If you have guests with allergies, you can modify the recipe by using gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities, and a flax egg for people avoiding animal products.

What s the best way to tell when my cookies are done baking?
The indicators of a perfect bake lie in the edges! Look for edges that are set and firm with a slightly soft center. The cookies will continue to firm up while cooling on the rack. Aim for a bake time of 10-12 minutes for that perfect chewy center and crackled top trust me, it s worth it!