Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Ah, the aroma of gingerbread men cookies fills the air, doesn’t it? This recipe holds a special spot in my heart, not just because they’re soft, chewy, and downright magical, but because they bring back those cozy memories of baking during the holiday season with my mom. Those moments, flour flying everywhere, laughter mixing with the tantalizing scent of spices, set the stage for my love of baking. As you dive into these delightful treats, you’ll find they aren’t just cookies; they’re little bites of nostalgia and holiday cheer.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Okay, let’s talk about what makes these gingerbread men truly stand out. First and foremost, it’s all about that texture—soft yet chewy, with just the perfect amount of bite. And the spices! Ground ginger, cinnamon, and just a hint of cloves and nutmeg create a flavor experience that warms you from the inside out, much like that favorite cozy sweater you never want to take off.

But there’s more—these cookies are versatile! You can roll them out and cut them into festive shapes, perfect for decorating with friends or family. Picture this: a cookie-decorating party, sprinkles cascading down like confetti, each bite an expression of creativity. Not to mention, they make excellent gifts, wrapped up with love, spreading joy wherever they go. So now, with the holidays around the corner, why not whip up a batch and savor the warmth they’ll bring?

Gather these ingredients

Before we roll up our sleeves and dive into the joy of baking, here’s what you’ll need for these delectable gingerbread men:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of our cookies. The more precise you are in measuring, the better your dough will turn out. You can always sprinkle a bit more onto your workspace when rolling out!

• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger: Our flavorful powerhouse. Fresh ginger can also be used, but make sure to adjust the quantities since it’s more potent!

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: The quintessential spice for the holidays—warm and sweet.

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves & 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: These add depth and a hint of sweetness to the mix.

• 1 teaspoon baking soda & 1/2 teaspoon salt: The rising agents that are crucial for perfectly soft cookies.

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks): For that rich flavor and tender crumb, don’t try to substitute with margarine here!

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: This is where the cookie gets its beautiful color and deep flavor.

• 1/2 cup molasses: Not only does it sweeten but gives that signature gingerbread flavor—try to avoid the “robust” molasses if you can; a lighter variety works better here.

• 1 large egg (room temperature): This helps bind it all together.

For the luscious royal icing:

• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: The star ingredient for icing; it creates that delightful sweetness.

• 4 tablespoons warm water: To dissolve your sugar perfectly.

• 2 tablespoons meringue powder & 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Key components for a stable royal icing that can hold its shape during embellishing with decorations.

• Sprinkles of your choice: Because who doesn’t love a little sparkle?

How this recipe comes together

1. Prep the dough: Start by whisking together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This step is crucial—it helps ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy— about 3 minutes. Think of this step as the foundation upon which we build our cookie empire!

3. Add molasses and egg: Pour in the molasses and add the egg. Mix until fully combined.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add in the flour mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. If it feels too sticky, a little sprinkle of flour on your hands and the dough can save the day.

5. Chill: Cover the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Trust me, this step makes the cookies more manageable to roll out.

6. Preheat your oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment.

7. Roll and cut the dough: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create those beloved gingerbread men (or whatever shape suits your fancy!).

8. Bake: Place the cutouts on the baking sheets and bake for about 8-10 minutes, until the edges are firm, but the centers remain slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

9. Whip up your royal icing: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar. Beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form. This could take 4-5 minutes—don’t rush this magic!

10. Decorate: Once your cookies are cool, go wild with the icing and don’t forget the sprinkles!

Best way to enjoy it

These cookies shine brightest when you gather around with friends and family. Share stories, sip your favorite warm beverage, and let these little men spark joy and connection. You could also pair them with a luscious cup of chai or a piping hot chocolate—heavenly!

Additional Pairing Suggestions:

• Serve alongside a rich custom-made ice cream.
• Crumble on top of yogurt or oatmeal for a fun breakfast twist.
• Keep a few on hand for your next movie night—perfect for snacking between sips of milk!

Keeping leftovers fresh

Let’s talk storage! Place your cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about a week. If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing them! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. They should retain their lovely texture for up to three months. Remember, to safely thaw them, simply pull them out and let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours—easy peasy.

Helpful cooking tips

• Chill out: Always remember to chill your dough before rolling it out. It will make a world of difference in the ease of cutting shapes.

• Don’t skip the icing: Decorating is half the fun! Royal icing creates a glossy finish that’s perfect for design and dries up beautifully.

• Taste test as you go: Feel free to sample the dough (sans eggs, of course!) as you blend—it’s all part of the experience!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the spices for something unique, like cardamom or allspice. You can also add a touch of citrus zest for an unexpected zing; oranges and ginger are a match made in heaven.

Or how about incorporating mix-ins? Chunks of dark chocolate or cranberries can elevate the cookie experience. For a chewier texture, toss in some oats or nuts.

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Sprinkles of your choice

Directions to follow

For the cookies:

1. Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar in another bowl.
3. Mix in molasses and the egg until well combined.
4. Add dry ingredients gradually.
5. Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets.
7. Roll out dough and cut shapes.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
9. Cool before decorating with royal icing.

For the royal icing:

1. Mix powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
2. Beat until stiff peaks form.
3. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles.

Your questions answered

1. How long do the gingerbread cookies last?

   • They can stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, longer if frozen.

2. Can I skip the royal icing?

   • Absolutely! You can dust them with powdered sugar or enjoy them plain—delicious either way.

3. Is this recipe adaptable for gluten-free?

   • You can swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free mix, but the texture may vary slightly.

4. What can I use instead of meringue powder?

   • If you don’t have it, you can use egg whites, though they need to be handled carefully for shelf stability.

5. Can the dough be made ahead of time?

   • Yes! You can prepare the dough up to a week in advance, just refrigerate it tightly wrapped.

Remember, cooking is all about exploration and joy! I can’t wait to see how your gingerbread men turn out or what creative spins you put on the recipe. So gear up to get your hands a little floury, and let those baking memories unfold. Happy baking!

Print Recipe

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Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Cooking Method: Baking, Mixing Courses: Dessert, Holidays, Snack Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food D Dessert E Easy H Holidays S Sweet

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 120 mins Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 24 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 120

Best Season: Winter

Description

Indulge in the warmth of nostalgia with these delightful soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Men

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Cookies

• 3 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ³⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, softened ((1 1/2 sticks))
• ³⁄₄ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¹⁄₂ cup molasses (lighter variety preferred)
• 1 large egg ((room temperature))

For the Royal Icing

• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cream of tartar
• Sprinkles of your choice

Instructions

For the Cookies

1. Prep the Dough

   Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
   This step ensures even distribution of spices.
   Mark as complete

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

   In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
   This creates the foundation of the cookies.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Molasses and Egg

   Mix in the molasses and egg until fully combined.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

   Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
   If sticky, sprinkle flour on hands and dough.
   Mark as complete

5. Chill the Dough

   Cover dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
   This makes it easier to roll out.
   Mark as complete

6. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
   Mark as complete

7. Roll and Cut Dough

   Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick and cut into shapes.
   Use your favorite cookie cutters.
   Mark as complete

8. Bake

   Place cutouts on sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
   Edges should be firm, centers slightly soft.
   Mark as complete

9. Cool and Decorate

   Cool cookies before decorating with prepared royal icing.
   Mark as complete

For the Royal Icing

1. Prepare Royal Icing

   Combine powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
   Beat until stiff peaks form, about 4-5 minutes.
   Mark as complete

2. Decorate Cookies

   Once cooled, use royal icing and sprinkles for decoration.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 24

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 120kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 6g10%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 20mg7%

Sodium 80mg4%

Potassium 40mg2%

Total Carbohydrate 18g6%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 10g

Protein 1g2%

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Vitamin A 200 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 0.2 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 1 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0 mg

Phosphorus 20 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 4 mg

Zinc 0 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0.1 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, or can be frozen for up to three months.

Keywords: gingerbread, cookies, holiday, dessert, baking