There’s something magical about biting into a Gingerbread NYC Cookie during the winter season. These cookies capture the essence of holiday coziness — the warming spices, the deep molasses aroma, the crackling golden edges giving way to a soft, gooey center. When I first discovered these thick, bakery-style gingerbread cookies, it instantly transported me back to childhood winters spent decorating gingerbread houses, sipping hot cocoa, and watching snowflakes dance outside the window.

What makes these cookies so special isn’t just their size (though they are delightfully chunky!) — it’s the way they blend New York-style cookie indulgence with old-world holiday spice. Gingerbread has long held a place in festive traditions across Europe, especially in Germany and Scandinavia, where ginger-spiced biscuits were crafted into intricate holiday shapes. Over time, this tradition crossed the Atlantic, where bakers in the U.S. began incorporating the beloved gingerbread flavors into modern desserts like cakes, bars, and — now — these decadent NYC cookies.

Whether you’re baking these to share at a holiday party, tuck into festive gift boxes, or simply to enjoy with a steaming mug of tea by the fire, Gingerbread NYC Cookies bring a touch of nostalgic magic to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thick, bakery-style cookies with soft, chewy centers
• Packed with warm gingerbread spices for a cozy holiday flavor
• Easy to make ahead and perfect for gifting or sharing
• A fun, festive twist on classic chocolate chip or sugar cookies

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 125g unsalted butter, softened
• 175g light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 300g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• 150g white chocolate chips

HOW TO MAKE GINGERBREAD NYC COOKIES

Making Gingerbread NYC Cookies is like wrapping the holidays into a single delicious bite. Here’s how you can bring that bakery magic home.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. I love this moment — the sugary aroma fills the kitchen, and it’s a small promise of the deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. This gives the cookies richness and depth, balancing the bold spices.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. It’s here that the kitchen really starts to smell like the holidays — earthy, spiced, and warm.

Step 4: Fold in White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the spiced dough, adding creamy pockets to every bite.

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Scoop large portions of dough (about 100g each) and place them on a lined tray. Chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape and get that iconic thick NYC cookie look.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes until golden at the edges but soft in the center. They may look slightly underbaked — that’s exactly what you want for the perfect chewy texture.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the tray for at least 30 minutes. This allows them to firm up and develop their signature texture. Brew a cup of tea or coffee, settle into your comfiest chair, and savor the moment.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip this — it gives you that thick, bakery-style cookie texture.
• Use good quality spices: Freshly ground spices make a big difference in flavor.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight tin to maintain their chewiness.
• Customize: Add crushed gingerbread biscuits or drizzle with white chocolate for an extra festive touch.

DETAILS

Prep Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8–10 large cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES

These Gingerbread NYC Cookies freeze beautifully — just wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 4g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can chill the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for later.

Can I substitute the white chocolate?
Absolutely — milk or dark chocolate chips work great, or even chopped nuts for extra crunch.

How do I keep them soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread — the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay soft.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individually and store for up to 2 months.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Banana Bread Cookies
• Chocolate Caramel Cookies
• Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies
• Raspberry Chocolate Chunk Cookies

CONCLUSION

Baking Gingerbread NYC Cookies is more than just making dessert — it’s creating memories, filling your home with holiday scents, and sharing a treat that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them on a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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