These Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on a holiday classic! Soft, spicy, and sweet, they bring warm flavors of ginger and cinnamon with yummy white chocolate chunks.
When I bake these, my kitchen smells like a cozy winter wonderland! They’re perfect for sharing or sneaking a few for yourself. Don’t worry, I won’t tell! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work well. I’ve tried it, and it still makes tasty cookies!
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves: These spices give the cookies their warm flavor. If you don’t have cloves, try using nutmeg for a slightly different but still cozy taste.
Molasses: Dark molasses adds depth and moisture. If you’re out, you can try honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will differ a bit. I love using molasses for that rich taste.
White chocolate chips: These add a sweet contrast to the spiciness of the gingerbread. You can swap with semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer more chocolatey flavors.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right texture for these cookies is key! Soft and chewy is what we are aiming for. Here’s how to make sure they turn out great:
- Make sure to cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets that help the cookies rise!
- Don’t overmix the dough once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Watch the time while baking! Since ovens vary, check your cookies a minute or two earlier than the recipe states to avoid overbaking.
Gingerbread White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking, plus a little cool time. In total, you should plan for around 30-40 minutes to get these tasty treats ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Mixing these ingredients together first helps to distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout the cookie dough.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s important because this step incorporates air into the mixture.
4. Add the Egg and Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the large egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until everything is well combined. Make sure there are no lumps; this mixture should be smooth and cohesive.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined; don’t overmix! You should see a thick, beautiful dough forming.
6. Fold in White Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout your dough.
7. Scoop and Shape the Dough:
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set and the edges lightly crisp, while the centers remain soft. They’ll harden a bit as they cool!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them finish baking from residual heat.
10. Enjoy!
Once your cookies are cool, grab a few and treat yourself! They’re perfect with a glass of milk or your favorite festive drink. Enjoy your delicious, homemade gingerbread white chocolate chip cookies!
Can I Use Other Types of Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! While white chocolate chips add a sweet contrast, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a more chocolatey flavor. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness will change slightly.
Can I Make This Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! After mixing, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if the dough is cold.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you want to enjoy them!
What Can I Substitute for Molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. However, keep in mind that it will change the flavor and moisture level slightly. For a closer match, try using dark corn syrup which maintains a similar consistency.
