Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats Worth the Calories.

These spice-packed, buttery cookies use molasses for richness. Chill the dough for easier shaping and bake soft treats in no time.

A woman holding a vegetable in a kitchen.
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:59:16 GMT
Cheerful, frosted gingerbread men cookies with white icing and powdered sugar close-up. Pin it
Cheerful, frosted gingerbread men cookies with white icing and powdered sugar close-up. | cookwithtaste.com

Buttery Garlic Shrimp Linguine with White Wine combines everything I love in a pasta dish for those nights when you want something a bit fancy. I can't get enough of how the creamy sauce clings to each linguine strand while the shrimp soak up all those amazing flavors. It's my way of creating restaurant-quality food without leaving home.

Why You'll Fall For This Dish

There's something magical about this combo of juicy shrimp, aromatic herbs, and wine-infused sauce. It feels upscale but comes together so quickly. I turn to this recipe whenever I need to wow dinner guests or just want to treat myself after a tough week.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Broth: 4 cups to build the sauce foundation.
  • Water: 2 cups for cooking the pasta properly.
  • Linguine: 1 pound that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons for that velvety mouthfeel.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves minced for that punch of flavor.
  • Shrimp: 1½ pounds as our star protein.
  • White Wine: ¾ cup dry variety for acidity and depth.
  • Sage: ¼ cup fresh chopped for earthy notes.
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup for a silky finish.
  • Parmesan: ½ cup freshly grated for nutty richness.
  • Parsley: ½ cup to add color and freshness.
  • Lemon: 1 whole to cut through the richness.
  • Salt and Pepper: For bringing all flavors together.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Begin With Pasta Prep
Warm up the butter in a big pot and throw in half the garlic until you smell its aroma. Pour in broth with water, let it bubble up, then cook your linguine until it's got a slight bite.
Cook Your Shrimp
In another pan, melt the remaining butter and quickly cook shrimp just until they change color.
Create Your Sauce Base
Toss the rest of the garlic, sage, and wine with your shrimp. Let everything bubble down a bit to concentrate those amazing flavors.
Bring It All Together
Mix your shrimp mixture with the drained pasta. Pour in cream, sprinkle Parmesan, and squeeze some lemon juice over everything. Toss until well-coated and gorgeous.

Chef's Secrets

Don't overcook your shrimp or they'll get rubbery. Always save a cup of that starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed. That last-minute lemon squeeze isn't optional - it totally transforms the dish!

A variety of decorated gingerbread cookies, including a smiling gingerbread man with icing details, are arranged on a parchment-lined baking tray. Pin it
A variety of decorated gingerbread cookies, including a smiling gingerbread man with icing details, are arranged on a parchment-lined baking tray. | cookwithtaste.com

Customize It

Try using half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version. You can throw in some leafy greens or diced zucchini for extra nutrition. Don't be afraid to switch up the herbs - basil or thyme work wonders too.

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside some toasted bread with garlic butter to mop up that incredible sauce. A simple green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. And don't forget a cool glass of the same white wine you cooked with!

Storing What's Left

Pop any leftovers in a sealed container and they'll stay good in your fridge for about three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream and warm slowly on the stove for best results.

The Science Behind The Flavor

This dish works because every element plays its part perfectly. The wine cuts through the richness, while the butter and cream create a sauce that's luxurious without being too heavy.

A close-up of decorated gingerbread cookies shaped like gingerbread men, featuring white icing details on a light background. Pin it
A close-up of decorated gingerbread cookies shaped like gingerbread men, featuring white icing details on a light background. | cookwithtaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should I chill the dough?

Putting the dough in the fridge firms up the butter and helps the flour soak in moisture. It also stops cookies from losing their shape when baking.

→ How thick should dough be rolled?

A 1/4 inch thickness gives the best results. Thinner ones may get too crunchy, while thicker ones might not cook properly.

→ How do I check doneness?

When baked, the cookies should lightly bounce back when touched but still feel tender. Small ones bake in 6–8 minutes, medium in 8–10, and large in 12–14.

→ Can I prepare the dough earlier?

Absolutely, you can refrigerate it overnight! Just let it warm up on the counter for 15 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.

→ Why avoid blackstrap molasses?

The flavor of blackstrap is too strong and bitter, masking the spices. Stick to regular molasses for sweetness and balance.

Conclusion

Beloved for their cozy flavor and chewy texture, these gingerbread cookies bring molasses, spices, and festive charm to any occasion. Great for shaping and decorating with your family!

Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Tender holiday cookies with a warm, spiced flavor. Perfect for festive shapes or frosting fun.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Milly

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Classic American Sweets

Yield: 50 Servings (50 medium-sized cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 5 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1 large egg.
03 1 cup of softened butter.
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.
05 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder.
06 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
07 1 cup molasses, not blackstrap.
08 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
09 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ground.
10 1 tablespoon ground ginger.
11 1 teaspoon baking soda.
12 1/2 teaspoon table salt.
13 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice.
14 1 cup of light brown sugar, packed.

Instructions

Step 01

Pop your dough into the fridge, covered, for at least 3 hours or let it rest overnight.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream butter with sugar first. Add the egg, molasses, vinegar, and vanilla, stirring it all together.

Step 03

Stir all the dry ingredients—flour, spices, baking soda, and salt—before blending them with the wet mixture.

Step 04

Roll dough flat on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into fun shapes.

Step 05

Bake on a preheated 350°F oven. Small cookies: 6–8 mins; medium: 8–10 mins; and large: 12–14 mins.

Notes

  1. Avoid working the dough too much.
  2. Bake similar-sized cookies together for even results.
  3. Store them airtight and they'll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Tools You'll Need

  • Hand or electric mixer.
  • A baking tray or two.
  • Your favorite cookie cutters.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains butter (dairy).
  • Egg-tested product.
  • Made with gluten-containing flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 114
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 1 g