I can’t wait to share these Spiced Ginger Cream Cookies with Maple Icing with you. They’re the perfect balance of warm spices and sweet maple that’ll make your kitchen smell like a holiday dream. The soft, tender texture melts in your mouth while the ginger gives that gentle kick we all crave in a good spice cookie. Want to know my secret for getting that perfect consistency every time? Let me walk you through it.
Why You’ll Love these Spiced Ginger Cream Cookies with Maple Icing
Every single bite of these spiced ginger cream cookies delivers a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness that’ll make your taste buds dance. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates that nostalgic aroma that fills your kitchen with comfort.
That maple icing, which transforms these from simple spice cookies into something extraordinary. Soft, chewy centers with slightly crisp edges, they’re the ideal texture for any cookie lover.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or just because it’s Tuesday. Trust me, you’ll want to double the batch.
What Ingredients are in Spiced Ginger Cream Cookies with Maple Icing?
These soft, spiced cookies rely on a perfect balance of warm spices and a touch of sweetness that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven.
- 1/3 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon hot water (for icing)
For the best results, make sure your butter is truly softened (not melted) and your spices are fresh—old spices just don’t deliver that same punch of flavor we’re looking for in these cozy cookies.
How to Make these Spiced Ginger Cream Cookies with Maple Icing
Making these delightful cookies starts with a simple mixing process. First, grab a large bowl and cream together 1/3 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Once that’s looking good, beat in 1 egg until fully incorporated, then stir in 1/2 cup of molasses and 1/2 cup of water. The mixture might look a bit separated at this point—totally normal, no need to panic.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 3/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The aroma of those spices together? Pure heaven in a bowl.
Now comes the magic of transformation. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Over-mixing is the enemy here, folks—we want tender cookies, not tough ones. For more consistent results, you could use a premium food processor to ensure even incorporation of ingredients without overworking the dough. Pop that dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare your baking sheets with either grease or parchment paper. Using a teaspoon, drop small mounds of chilled dough onto your prepared sheets, leaving room for spreading. These little guys need about 8 minutes in the oven, or until they’re just firm to the touch.
The final flourish? While the cookies are still warm, drizzle or spread them with a simple maple icing made from 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of hot water. If your icing seems too thick or thin, a touch more water or sugar will get it just right. Who knew something so impressive could be so simple?
What to Serve with Spiced Ginger Cream Cookies with Maple Icing
The perfect accompaniment to these spiced ginger cream cookies can elevate your dessert experience from merely delightful to absolutely unforgettable. I love pairing them with a steaming mug of chai tea or a robust coffee that complements the warming spices.
For a more indulgent treat, why not serve them alongside vanilla bean ice cream? The cold creaminess against the spicy-sweet cookie creates a magical contrast.
A small glass of cold milk, hot apple cider, or even a dessert wine like Sauternes works beautifully too. Remember, the maple icing has such a distinctive flavor—you’ll want something that enhances rather than competes with it.
Leftovers and Storage for these Spiced Ginger Cream Cookies with Maple Icing
Properly stored cookies can be the saving grace of a busy week, especially when we’re talking about these spiced ginger gems with their irresistible maple icing. I keep mine in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, though they rarely last that long in my house.
Want to extend their life? Pop them in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just separate layers with parchment paper so the icing doesn’t smudge.
And yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—perfect for those emergency cookie cravings we all get.
Spiced Ginger Cream Cookies with Maple Icing Substitutions and Variations
You can switch up these delicious spiced ginger cream cookies in countless ways, depending on what’s hiding in your pantry or your personal taste preferences. No molasses? Try dark corn syrup or honey instead. Want more kick? Double the ginger or add a pinch of cayenne pepper—trust me, it works.
For the icing, replace maple syrup with vanilla extract, orange juice, or even a splash of bourbon. Feeling fancy? Sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger on top before the icing sets. And if you’re dairy-free, coconut oil stands in beautifully for butter in both cookies and frosting.
Final Thoughts
These spiced ginger cream cookies have honestly become one of my favorite holiday treats, perfect for cold winter afternoons with a cup of tea. The combination of warming spices with that sweet maple icing creates such a cozy flavor profile that’s impossible to resist. Who doesn’t love that moment when the icing sets just right?
The beauty of these cookies is their simplicity. No fancy equipment needed, just basic ingredients that create something truly special. And they’re versatile enough for any occasion, from cookie swaps to after-school snacks. If you’re looking for another easy seasonal treat, try making a pumpkin spice bread using just cake mix and pumpkin puree for minimal effort with delicious results. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you.