Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (2024)

Home Recipes Dessert Cookies Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe

by Jennifer Debth

27 Comments

4.91 from 11 votes

JUMP TO RECIPE

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

TheseChewy Ginger Cookiesare the perfect holiday cookie! They’re perfectly spiced, a little bit crunchy, soft and chewy, and packed with flavor!

Quick Navigation

  • General
  • Ingredients
  • How to make
  • Get the recipe
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to know they're done
  • Do you need molasses?
  • Do you chill the dough?
  • What size to make them?
  • Why aren't they chewy?
  • Why are they flat?
  • How to store
  • Nutrition information

I’m normally not a ginger cookie kind of gal. Typically I go for the peanut butter, chocolatey, marshmallow-y, minty cookies. But HOLY MOLY, these chewy ginger cookies are so good!

Perfectly spiced, ultra chewy, a little crunchy, and coated in sugar… What more do you need in a holiday cookie? 😉

Ingredients

Most ginger cookies call for molasses…but who ever has that on hand? I know I don’t. So I made these ginger cookies without molasses and used used maple syrup instead. Same soft texture and warm depth of flavor but much more convenient!

  • Unsalted Butter– make sure you use melted butter. It mixes better with the sugars to create an overall chewier texture.
  • Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar– use both! They play different roles in the cookies. Brown sugar adds moisture and creates a chewier inner texture while granulated sugar caramelizes for a slightly crispy exterior.
  • Egg and Egg Yolk– we’re using an extra egg yolk because the fat helps tenderize the dough which not only gives the cookies more flavor but also helps make them chewy!
  • Maple Syrup– adds additional sweetness and warmth to bring out the flavor of the brown sugar and spices.
  • All-Purpose Flour– gives the cookies structure.
  • Baking Soda– gives the cookies a little lift so they’re not too dense.
  • Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, and Ground Cloves– this spice blend may be simple but it adds SO much warmth and delicious flavor to the cookies.
  • Salt– brings out other flavors in the cookies.

How to make

These chewy ginger cookies take just 10 minutes to prep!

  1. Whisk together melted butter, sugars, egg and egg yolk, and maple syrup in a large bowl.
  2. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and spices.
  3. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, cover with saran wrap, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  4. Portion the dough into balls with a medium cookie scoop then roll each ball in additional granulated sugar.
  5. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat and place back in the fridge for another 30-60 minutes.
  6. After the dough is chilled, bake at 350ºF for 12-16 minutes or until golden-brown.

Pro tip

If you really love ginger, add some crystallized ginger to the cookie dough before you chill it!

How do you know when ginger cookies are done?

The cookies will bake for anywhere from 12-16 minutes at 350ºF depending on the oven you have.You’ll know they’re done when they are golden on top and slightly crispy around the bottom edges.

Pro tip

Be careful not to over-bake them. If the cookies bake too long they’ll become hard and you won’t get that chewy texture.

Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (2)

Do you need molasses for ginger cookies?

Nope! No molasses needed for this ginger cookie recipe!

Most ginger cookie recipes do require it but I never have molasses on hand so, rather than go to the store and buy some, I decided to use maple syrup instead—and they turned out SO delicious!

Do you have to chill the dough?

Yes! This is actually a super important step. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold shape as they bake. If the dough is too warm, the cookies may flatten and you won’t get that fluffy texture.

What size do i make my cookies?

I use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the cookie dough which is equal to 1.5 tablespoons per cookie dough ball.

Pro tip

If you change the size of your cookies, keep in mind the cook time will be altered.

Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (3)

Why aren’t my cookies chewy?

There may be a couple of different reasons as to why your cookies didn’t come out chewy enough.

  • You didn’t melt the butter.The warm, melted butter helps caramelize the sugars to achieve that delicious chewy texture.
  • You didn’t add the extra egg yolk.The fat in egg yolks helps tenderize the dough which makes the cookies softer and chewier.

Why are my cookies flat?

Here are a couple of reasons your cookies may be spreading too much as they bake.

  • You didn’t chill the dough.The dough should spend a total of 60-90 minutes chilling in the fridge. The longer it refrigerates the less your cookies will spread.
  • Your leavening agent was expired.Expired leavening agents don’t work as well. Make sure your baking soda is fresh!

Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (4)

How to store

Leftover ginger cookies will last in an airtight container up to a week at room temperature, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To enjoy again,microwave to warm if desired.

– Jennifer

Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (5)

Chewy Ginger Cookies

4.91 from 11 votes

TheseChewy Ginger Cookiesare the perfect holiday cookie! They're perfectly spiced, a little bit crunchy, soft and chewy, and packed with flavor!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Yield: 18 cookies

Print Pin Rate Recipe

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cups unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar + more for rolling
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

  • Whisk together wet ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.

  • Stir together dry ingredients in another bowl.

  • Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

  • Cover with saran wrap and chill 30 minutes in the fridge.

  • Roll the dough into balls using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, then roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar.

  • Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheet and place back in fridge for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.*

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 12-16 minutes, or until the tops are golden.**

  • Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!

Rate This Recipe

STORING

Room Temp:1 Week

Refrigerator:2 Weeks

Freezer:3 Months

Reheat:Microwave to warm

*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

Notes

*The longer these refrigerate, the less the spread.

**Bake 6-8 cookies at a time as these do spread a little bit. 🙂

People Also Viewed

Cookies

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Cookies

Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Brownies and Bars

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Sweet Things

Cookie Butter Puppy Chow

Non-Alcoholic

Green Juice Recipe

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Chewy Ginger Cookies

Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)

Calories 185 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 43mg14%

Sodium 135mg6%

Potassium 46mg1%

Carbohydrates 26g9%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 30IU1%

Calcium 19mg2%

Iron 0.8mg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: chewy, christmas cookie, holiday dessert

Enjoy this recipe?

Tag @showmetheyummy on Instagram and hashtag it #showmetheyummy

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Jennifer Debth

Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment/Rating

    Filter Comments

    All Comments 0 Questions 0 Reviews

  1. Anonymous

    Canada

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (15)

    Reply

  2. Anonymous

    Newnan, Georgia

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (16)

    Reply

  3. Anonymous

    Gatineau, Quebec

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (17)

    Reply

  4. Anonymous

    Mérida, Yucatán

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (18)

    Reply

  5. Anonymous

    Brooklyn, New York

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (19) I used turbinado sugar to coat the cookies and they are fabulous! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Thank you!!

  6. Anonymous

    Dublin, Leinster

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (20)

    Reply

  7. Anonymous

    Canada

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (21)

    Reply

  8. Anonymous

    Edmonton, Alberta

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (22) I love these especially since where I am from it’s hard to find molasses!! 10/10 perfect for the holiday season

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Thank you!!

  9. Melissa

    Fresno, California

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (23) My son with special needs made these cookies himself and they were easy and so yummy!!!!

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Aww yay! Thanks Melissa!! 🙂

  10. krystal

    Calgary, Alberta

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (24) i really loved it and the taste is extraordinary my whole family liked it

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Thanks Krystal!

  11. Anonymous

    Manchester, England

    Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (25)

    Reply

  12. Sophia

    So tasty ! I will make it this weekend. Cookie and hot tea are the perfect combinaton. Thanks for sharing 😊

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      I hope you love them!! 🙂

  13. Emma

    MY kids love ginger cookies very much. Thank you for sharing this great recipe, Trevor and Jennifer 🙂 .

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Aww thank you, Emma! I hope they love these!

  14. Marina

    I LOVEEE ginger, so these would be the perfect cookie recipe for my holiday dessert table! Or a cookie exchange. It’s so hard to pick favorites, but my favorite Christmas cookie is definitely a gingerbread man (or woman) cookie! Hmm, I wonder why…;)

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Ha! Can’t beat a classic gingerbread man/woman 🙂

Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - with Maple Syrup - Perfectly Spiced! (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick to making soft and chewy cookies? ›

Double Your Yolks Most cookie recipes call for at least one egg. You can try omitting the white of each egg, which tends to dry out when baked, and replacing it with an additional yolk. Plus, egg yolks have more fat than egg whites, which helps to keep your cookies moist and chewy.

What makes a cookie extra chewy? ›

Melted butter creates cookies with a different texture compared to cookies made with softened or creamed butter. When butter is melted, it coats the flour more evenly, resulting in cookies that are chewier and denser.

How do you make cookie dough more chewy? ›

Rest your dough.

Whether it's chocolate chip, sugar, or oatmeal raisin, place the dough ball in the refrigerator for at least an hour, wrapped in plastic wrap. The longer you let it rest, the chewier its cookies will be. This is because the liquid content in your cookies will actually evaporate.

How do you make cookies soft and chewy vs hard and crisp? ›

While brown sugar keeps your cookies moist and soft, white sugar and corn syrup will help your cookies spread and crisp in the oven. Using more white sugar in your cookies will result in a crispier end product. To achieve a crispy cookie, skip the rest in the fridge.

What are three factors that contribute to a chewy cookie? ›

Salted butter, softened – I prefer salted butter but you can also use unsalted and add an extra pinch of salt to the dough. Brown sugar – Just brown sugar because we will get the 'granulated sugar' flavor from the corn syrup. Corn syrup – The corn syrup is what makes these cookies CHEWY FOR DAYS.

What gives a chewy cookie is chewy texture? ›

Cornstarch helps product soft and thick cookies. Using more brown sugar than white sugar results in a moister, softer cookie. An extra egg yolk increases chewiness. Rolling the cookie dough balls to be tall and lumpy instead of wide and smooth gives the cookies a bakery-style textured thickness.

What flour is best for chewy cookies? ›

Bread Flour: For Chewy Texture

Bread flour contains a higher protein content (around 12-14%), leading to more gluten development. This makes it ideal for bakers seeking a chewier texture in their cookies. The extra gluten can help retain gas and moisture, producing a denser and chewier result.

Why do my cookies never turn out chewy? ›

Hard cookies: you are over mixing, baking too long, baking at too high a temperature, or some combination of these. Cakey cookies: not enough brown sugar, too much or too little egg, too much flour, maybe you used baking powder instead of baking soda?

Does melting butter make cookies chewy? ›

By switching up the technique, I omitted all the extra air that gets incorporated into the dough during creaming, and as a result, the cookies made with melted butter were significantly chewier and fudgier than those made with creamed butter.

What can cause a cookie to be not chewy enough? ›

17, 2021. The ingredients you use and how you shape your cookies both play an important role in whether your cookies turn out crispy or chewy. The type of flour and sugar you use, if your cookie dough contains eggs, and whether you use melted or softened butter all factor into the crispy-chewy equation, too.

How long to chill cookie dough for chewy cookies? ›

As a general rule of thumb, you should refrigerate cookie dough for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. More than that, and you won't see a noticeable difference in the final product. Once the dough has chilled, let it warm up at room temperature until it's just pliable (about 5 to 10 minutes).

What makes dough more chewy? ›

What makes dough chewy? The chew in dough comes from the flour used to prepare it. Bread flour contains higher protein content than all-purpose flour which gives pizza crust its chew.

How do you make cookies chewy instead of hard? ›

use cold, diced butter as it will ensure that when baked the cookie will be slightly “underbaked” and prevents spreading of the dough while baking - this will ensure that it is soft rather than hard and crisp. You can also chill the prepared dough before baking to achieve a similar effect.

Does baking soda or baking powder make cookies chewy? ›

Baking soda is typically used for chewy cookies, while baking powder is generally used for light and airy cookies. Since baking powder is comprised of a number of ingredients (baking soda, cream of tartar, cornstarch, etc.), using it instead of pure baking soda will affect the taste of your cookies.

What does adding egg yolk to cookies do? ›

A cookie made with extra egg yolk (or, in this case, only egg yolk), will be lighter and chewier than a cookie made with whole eggs. The cookies will also have a richer flavor thanks to the added fat in egg yolk.

What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft? ›

For soft cookies, use: Brown sugar, as it has a high moisture content and retains moisture better than white sugar. Also, when combined with eggs, brown sugar can prevent spreading (taller cookies tend to be softer and fluffier). Shortening instead of butter or in addition to butter.

What keeps cookies soft and chewy? ›

The bread/apple trick

Here's a baker's trick you'll find in our new Monster Cookies recipe: Adding a piece of fresh white bread to the storage container will keep cookies from becoming hard or stale.

What is the trick to soften hard cookies? ›

Another way to soften cookies is by placing the cookies in an airtight container with a damp paper towel. The paper towel will release moisture and help to soften the cookies without making them too soft or mushy. Another way is to place the cookies in a plastic bag with a slice of apple or a damp tea towel.

What is the trick to keep baked goods like cookies soft? ›

This simplest kitchen hack you'll ever love!

If you bake too many cookies (as if there is such a thing!) and are concerned about them going stale, just add a slice of white bread to the storage container to keep them from hardening.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6291

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.