Gingerbread Hearts with Dark Chocolate Glaze

Name: Gingerbread Hearts with Dark Chocolate Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Highlighted under: Dessert Lover’s Collection

Gingerbread Hearts with Dark Chocolate Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the warm spices of gingerbread with a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion, these cookies are sure to impress.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-04T22:43:50.855Z

The tradition of making gingerbread cookies during the holiday season is a beloved one. These Gingerbread Hearts with Dark Chocolate Glaze add a modern twist to a classic favorite. The combination of spices creates a warm, comforting flavor profile, while the dark chocolate glaze offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        The perfect blend of spices brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
The dark chocolate glaze adds a luxurious touch that elevates the cookies.
These heart-shaped treats are perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones.

      

The Joy of Baking Gingerbread

Baking gingerbread cookies is a cherished tradition during the holiday season. The aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen creates a cozy atmosphere that brings family and friends together. These Gingerbread Hearts with Dark Chocolate Glaze not only taste delicious but also evoke fond memories of festive gatherings and celebration. The act of rolling out the dough and cutting out heart shapes adds a playful element to the process, making it a fun activity for both kids and adults alike.

As you mix the ingredients and watch the dough come together, you'll appreciate the simplicity and comfort of this classic recipe. Gingerbread has a rich history, dating back to ancient times, and has evolved into a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide. By baking these cookies, you’re not only creating a delightful snack but also participating in a time-honored tradition that connects generations.

Perfect for Gifting and Celebrating

These heart-shaped gingerbread cookies are perfect for gifting, especially during the holiday season. Their charming shape and beautiful dark chocolate glaze make them an attractive option for any occasion. Whether you package them in a decorative box or place them in a festive jar, they make thoughtful gifts for friends, family, and neighbors. Adding a personal touch, like a handwritten note, can further enhance the sentimental value of your gift.

In addition to gifting, these cookies are a delightful addition to any celebration. They can be served at holiday parties, birthdays, or even as a sweet treat for a cozy night in. Their unique flavor profile and beautiful presentation will surely impress your guests, making them a memorable part of any gathering. Sharing these cookies with loved ones creates warm memories that will last long after the last crumb is gone.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Hearts

To ensure your Gingerbread Hearts turn out perfectly, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help achieve precision, especially when it comes to flour and sugar. Over-measuring flour can lead to dry cookies, while under-measuring can make them too soft. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as this will help create the desired texture in your cookies.

Another important tip is to refrigerate the dough for at least an hour. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to roll out. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. If you're short on time, you can chill the dough for a shorter period, but for best results, let it rest overnight. This extra time will enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Gingerbread Hearts:

For the Gingerbread Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses

For the Dark Chocolate Glaze

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Gingerbread Hearts:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining until a dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Cut and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Let cool on a wire rack.

Make the Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Once the cookies are cool, dip the tops into the melted chocolate glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.

Place back on the wire rack to set.

Once the glaze has set, your Gingerbread Hearts are ready to be enjoyed!

Storing Your Gingerbread Hearts

Once baked, your Gingerbread Hearts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider freezing them. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. The cookies will retain their flavor and texture, making them just as delightful as when they were first baked.

Customizing Your Cookies

One of the best things about baking is the opportunity to customize recipes to suit your taste. For these Gingerbread Hearts, you can experiment with different spices or add-ins. Consider incorporating chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a hint of citrus zest for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Each variation can create a new experience while still maintaining the beloved essence of gingerbread.

You can also play with the chocolate glaze. While dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the spiced cookies, you could try using milk chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies instead of dipping them can create an elegant decorative touch. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make these cookies truly your own.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Place them in an airtight container and they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of molasses?

You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but this may slightly alter the flavor.