Frosted Ginger Cookies

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 15 min./batch

Makes

about 6 dozen

Updated: Jun. 29, 2023
My husband and I just built a new house in a small rural community in western New York. I work all day in an office, and I enjoy baking in the evening to relax. The wonderful aroma of these soft delicious cookies in our oven has made our new house smell like home. -Jeanne Matteson, South Dayton, New York
Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • FROSTING:
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in molasses and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture.
  2. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 12-15 minutes or until cookies spring back when touched lightly (do not overbake). Remove to wire racks.
  3. For frosting, in a large saucepan, bring the brown sugar, milk and butter to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from the heat (mixture will look curdled at first). Cool for 3 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt; mix well. Frost warm cookies.