These Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bites bring all the warm, cozy flavors of the holiday season in the cutest, most poppable form. Imagine the classic aroma of gingerbread cookies—ginger, cinnamon, molasses—packed into tiny bite-sized cubes that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or snacking straight from the tin. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, prepping festive treats for school events, or craving something sweet on a chilly night, these cookie bites fit right in. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to bring a little holiday magic to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie boxes, and gifting
• Easy, no-fuss preparation using simple pantry staples
• Bite-sized and adorable—ideal for snacking or sharing
• Loaded with warm spices and festive flavor
• Make-ahead friendly thanks to the chilled dough
Ingredients
• All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the cookie bites.
• Baking powder & baking soda – Work together to give a soft, tender texture.
• Salt – Enhances all the warm, spicy flavors.
• Ground ginger – The star spice for that signature gingerbread taste.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
• Ground cloves – Provides a rich, aromatic holiday spice note.
• Shortening – Helps create a soft, tender bite.
• Unsalted butter – Adds flavor and richness.
• Dark brown sugar – Provides moisture and a deep molasses-like sweetness.
• Egg – Binds the dough and adds structure.
• Molasses – Gives classic gingerbread flavor and chewiness.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and aroma.
• Holiday nonpareils sprinkles – For festive crunch and colorful holiday flair.
How to Make Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bites
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl until fully blended. This ensures even spice distribution in every bite.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat butter, shortening, brown sugar, and the egg on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
Add the molasses and vanilla and mix again until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture. Mix until a smooth, cohesive dough forms without dry patches.
Step 4: Press and Chill
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan, creating a smooth, flat surface.
Sprinkle generously with holiday sprinkles and gently press them into the dough.
Chill for at least 2 hours (up to 8 hours). Chilling makes cutting easier and enhances flavor.
Step 5: Cut into Cubes
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Lift the dough from the pan using the parchment, place it on a cutting board, and cut into ½-inch cubes. You should get about 100 cookie bites.
Step 6: Bake
Arrange cubes on your baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each.
Bake one sheet at a time for 7 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the hot pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
• Chill the dough fully—it makes cutting precise and clean.
• Use a ruler for uniform size to ensure even baking.
• Don’t overbake; these cookies are meant to be soft and tender.
• For cleaner cuts, lightly flour your knife before slicing.
Equipment Needed
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or bench scraper
• Baking sheets
• Wire cooling rack
Recipe Variations
• Spicy Gingerbread Bites: Increase ginger and add a pinch of black pepper for extra warmth.
• Glazed Gingerbread Cubes: Drizzle cooled cookie bites with a simple vanilla glaze.
• Chocolate-Dipped Bites: Dip one corner into melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Citrus Gingerbread Bites: Add orange zest to the dough for a bright holiday flavor.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve in small bowls during holiday parties for easy snacking.
• Package in cellophane bags with ribbon for homemade gifts.
• Add to Christmas cookie platters for variety and charm.
• Pair with hot chocolate, warm cider, or a gingerbread latte.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chill the dough up to 8 hours or freeze the pressed dough block for up to 2 months.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.
How do I store gingerbread cookie bites?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–7 days.
Can these be frozen after baking?
Absolutely. Freeze in airtight bags for up to 3 months.
Can I skip the sprinkles?
Yes—they’re just for festive flair. The cookie bites are delicious on their own.
Why is my dough sticky?
Gingerbread dough is naturally sticky due to molasses. Chilling makes it easier to handle.
Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bites
- Total Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 100 cookie bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy to make gingerbread cookie bites that are perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 TBSP shortening
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup holiday nonpareils sprinkles
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl until blended.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
- Add in the molasses and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the molasses mixture and blend until smooth.
- Press the dough into an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper until flat and even.
- Sprinkle the dough with festive sprinkles and lightly press them in.
- Chill for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from pan onto a cutting board.
- Cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 10–11 rows each way, ~100 bites).
- Place cubes 1 inch apart on baking sheets (30–35 per sheet).
- Bake one sheet at a time for 7 minutes. Let rest 2 minutes on the pan, then cool on a rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for enhanced flavor and easier cutting.
- Baking time may vary depending on oven.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
These Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bites are everything you love about holiday baking—simple ingredients, warm spices, festive colors, and irresistible flavor. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, they bring holiday cheer in every tiny bite. Give them a try, experiment with fun variations, and let them become a new seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every sweet, cozy moment—and don’t forget to share your creations!
