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Gingerbread cookies don’t have to be purely sweet — there’s a whole world of flavor out there waiting to give these holiday favorites a fresh new twist. In this recipe for Buttery Sage and Maple-Glazed Gingerbread Cookies, you’ll discover a savory herb companion to the beloved warm spices. The result is an alluring cookie that’s both delightfully sweet and surprisingly savory.
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ⅔ cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons melted butter (for the glaze)
- Pinch of salt for the glaze
Instructions
Begin by whisking together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This will ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly combined and give your cookies that signature spicy kick.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until
light and fluffy. Then beat in the egg and molasses, mixing well
between each addition. Toss in the chopped sage and stir gently
to incorporate.
Gradually add your dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until
combined. Take care not to overmix; you want a tender dough. If it’s
sticky, chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge for easy rolling.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutter shapes, then place the cut-outs on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a rack.
Meanwhile, whisk together the maple syrup, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Drizzle or brush the glaze over the cooled cookies to give them a mouthwatering sheen.
This recipe proves that gingerbread cookies can be so much more than a holiday sugar rush. By pairing sweet molasses with a gentle herbal note, these cookies cater to those looking to shake up tradition or simply enjoy a broader palate of flavors. They’re ideal for holiday gift exchanges, cookie swaps, or any time you crave an unusual treat. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or thyme, and don’t hesitate to swap in whole-wheat flour for a heartier bite. Above all, relish in the sweet and savory goodness that Buttery Sage and Maple-Glazed Gingerbread Cookies bring to your table.
