If you’re like me and adore cookies that have just the right touch of spice and sweetness, you’re going to fall head over heels for this White Chocolate Ginger Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful mix of warm ginger and aromatic spices, paired with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate – perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday treats. Honestly, when I first tried making them, I was blown away by how the flavors balanced so beautifully. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so you can nail this recipe every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Spice-Sweet Balance: The ginger and warm spices aren’t overpowering but bring just the right kick against the smooth white chocolate.
- Fun and Festive Presentation: Dipped in white chocolate and optionally decorated with holly candy melts, these are as pretty as they taste.
- Chill Time Enhances Flavor: Chilling the dough helps deepen the spice flavors and makes the cookies easier to shape and bake consistently.
- Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or a cookie pro, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this White Chocolate Ginger Cookies Recipe is really in the spices and that luscious white chocolate dip. Choosing fresh, high-quality spices and good white chocolate chips will totally elevate the final cookie, so don’t skimp here!

- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for these cookies, giving that classic chewy yet slightly crisp texture.
- Baking soda: Helps cookies rise just enough for a soft bite without getting cakey.
- Salt: Essential to balance the sweetness and bring out all those warming spices.
- Ground ginger: The star spice—freshly ground if possible, for that sharp, vibrant zing.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that cozy, sweet warmth we crave in ginger cookies.
- Ground cloves and nutmeg: Small amounts pack a punch, enriching the spice profile perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Use softened butter for easy creaming; it makes the texture wonderful.
- Granulated sugar: You’ll divide it for dough and rolling; it helps give the cookies a lovely crust.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that works beautifully here.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
- Molasses: A must-have for that classic ginger cookie depth and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and complements the spices.
- White chocolate chips: The luscious dip that adds creamy sweetness; quality matters here.
- Shortening: Small amounts melt into the chocolate for a smooth, shiny finish.
- Red and green candy melts (optional): For piping holly decorations, making your cookies festive and cute.
Variations
One of the best things about this White Chocolate Ginger Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve played around with a few twists and I encourage you to experiment, too—personal tastes are what make baking so fun!
- Add Zest: I sometimes grate a little fresh orange zest into the dough—it brightens the ginger and pairs so well with white chocolate.
- Nut-Free Option: This recipe is naturally nut-free, but if you want some crunch, swap in crushed pretzels or sunflower seeds for a savory salty contrast.
- Chocolate Swap: If you prefer dark chocolate, try dipping half the cookies in melted bittersweet chips instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free: I’ve had luck substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend; just watch the texture as you might need to adjust chilling time slightly.
How to Make White Chocolate Ginger Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and all those gorgeous warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—in a medium bowl. I like to whisk them for a good 20 seconds to make sure everything’s evenly distributed; it really helps the flavor blend. Then set this bowl aside while you get going on the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using your stand mixer (or hand mixer), beat together the softened unsalted butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and all the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for great texture, so don’t rush it! It’s one of those moments I’ve learned patience pays off.
Step 3: Add Egg, Molasses and Vanilla
Next, crack in your egg and mix until combined. Then add molasses and vanilla extract; these two give the dough its classic gingerbread soul. Make sure everything is blended well before slowly incorporating your dry ingredients on low speed. You want to just mix until there are no more streaks of flour.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
This is the secret step I discovered that makes a huge difference: covering your dough and chilling it for at least an hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to handle and it deepens the flavors, especially the ginger and molasses. I usually bake during the last 10 minutes of chilling, preheating my oven to 350°F.
Step 5: Form and Bake Cookies
When you’re ready, scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll each into a ball. Then roll the balls in the remaining granulated sugar—you’ll love the little sweet crunch on the outside once baked. Place them on a Silpat or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I flatten tops just a touch with my fingers so they bake evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Dip in White Chocolate
Here’s a little trick I picked up: melt white chocolate chips with shortening in short bursts—like 10 seconds at a time—in the microwave, stirring between each. Working in small batches prevents the chocolate from cooling too much or scorching. Once smooth and runny, dip half of each cookie, then gently scrape off excess chocolate on the bowl’s edge. Place dipped cookies back onto the parchment to set at room temperature—no fridge needed. If you want to get fancy with holly decorations, melt some red and green candy melts and pipe on cute little leaves and berries!
Pro Tips for Making White Chocolate Ginger Cookies Recipe
- Chill Twice: If you have time, chill the dough in two stages—once before scooping and again after shaping—to get even better texture and flavor.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This keeps sizes consistent, so your cookies bake evenly every batch.
- Don’t Skip Rolling in Sugar: It creates that irresistible crackly crust, trust me on this one!
- Dip with a Fork: To avoid melting the chocolate by handling cookies too much, use two forks to dip and lift cookies gently.
How to Serve White Chocolate Ginger Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
I love using red and green candy melts to pipe tiny holly leaves and berries on the white chocolate-dipped half—makes these cookies party-ready! If you’re short on time, a sprinkle of festive colored sugar crystals or edible glitter works just as well for a little sparkle.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or hot apple cider—the spices in the drink echo the cookies’ warmth, making your snack time feel extra cozy. I also love them alongside a simple vanilla latte for an indulgent mid-afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving, I like to layer these cookies in a pretty box with parchment paper and include a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks for an aromatic touch. At parties, stacking them on a rustic wooden board alongside nuts and dried fruit creates a festive cookie platter that always gets compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking and dipping, I keep my white chocolate ginger cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and flavorful, and I find they taste even better the next day once the flavors have fully married.
Freezing
If I need to make these ahead for a party, I freeze the baked, cooled cookies (without dipping) in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready, I thaw them and dip right before serving. This keeps the white chocolate fresh and glossy.
Reheating
To gently reheat and bring back that just-baked warmth, I pop cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or the white chocolate might soften too much. Let cool slightly before devouring!
FAQs
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Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for dipping?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate pairs nicely with the spicy ginger cookies, giving a richer, slightly less sweet contrast. Just be sure to melt it gently with a little shortening or coconut oil to get that smooth dipping consistency.
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Do I have to chill the dough, or can I skip that step?
Chilling the dough isn’t mandatory, but I highly recommend it. It firm ups the dough for easier scooping and rolling, plus it deepens the flavors, especially the ginger and molasses, resulting in a tastier cookie.
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How do I prevent the white chocolate from burning when melting?
Melting white chocolate requires patience. Heat it in short 10-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. If you try to melt it all at once or on high heat, it can scorch quickly, becoming grainy and unusable.
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in a trusted 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just note that baking times may vary slightly and texture can differ, so keep an eye while baking.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this White Chocolate Ginger Cookies Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make, especially when I want to impress without stressing. The combination of spicy warmth and smooth white chocolate is pure joy in every bite, and I love how versatile these cookies are for gifting, holiday celebrations, or a comforting treat any time of year. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy these cookies as much as my family and I do—trust me, they go crazy for them! So go ahead, get cozy in the kitchen, and bake up a batch of these gems.
Print
White Chocolate Ginger Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 Cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies, featuring a perfect blend of warm spices and rich molasses, baked to a soft finish, then dipped in creamy white chocolate and beautifully decorated with red and green candy melts for a holiday touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dipping and Decoration
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 3 Tbsp shortening
- Red and green candy melts (or tinted royal icing) for decoration
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for 20 seconds. Set the mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the large egg, then blend in the molasses and vanilla extract until combined. Keep the mixer on low speed and gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for 1 hour. Begin preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 10 minutes of chilling.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough at a time. Roll each portion into balls, then coat them in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Place the coated dough balls onto Silpat or parchment-lined baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten the tops of each ball for even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are set but still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of shortening at a time. Use 10-second intervals on high power, stirring between intervals until the chocolate is smooth, melted, and runny. Work in small batches to avoid burning.
- Dip Cookies: Once the cookies are cooled, dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate. Remove excess chocolate by gently running the bottom edge along the side of the bowl. Return the dipped cookies to the parchment to set at room temperature.
- Decorate: Melt the red and green candy melts according to the package directions in small batches. Pipe holly leaf and berry shapes onto the set white chocolate using a piping bag fitted with a #4 tip. Allow the decorations to set at room temperature. Alternatively, holly sprinkles can be used for decoration.
Notes
- Keep the dough chilled when not in use to maintain its firmness for easy shaping and rolling in sugar.
- Work in small batches when melting white chocolate to prevent the chocolate from setting or burning.
- If you prefer, royal icing can be tinted and piped for decoration instead of candy melts.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a firmer cookie, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg


