Description

Gingerbread men cookies are the epitome of holiday baking, bringing warmth, spice, and joy to every bite. These soft and chewy cookies combine the perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, creating a treat that is as aromatic as it is delicious. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply indulging with a cup of hot cocoa, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a festive baking experience. Plus, decorating these cookies is an activity everyone can enjoy, making them a holiday tradition to cherish.

Ingredients

• For the Cookies:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Decorating:
• Royal icing or store-bought icing
• Candy decorations (optional)

Preparation Method

Preparing the Dough:
Start by whisking together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. This dry mixture is the base of your cookies and ensures the spices are evenly distributed.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a soft texture in the cookies. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and well combined.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, but avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the dough is firm enough to roll out easily.

Rolling and Shaping:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out one portion of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart to allow room for spreading.

Repeat with the second portion of dough. Any leftover scraps can be rerolled to maximize the number of cookies.

Baking:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can result in crisp cookies rather than chewy ones.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating:
Once the cookies are fully cooled, let your creativity shine! Use royal icing to outline the gingerbread men, create faces, or add festive designs. Candy decorations, sprinkles, or edible glitter can enhance their holiday charm.

Tips and Conclusion

Enhanced Flavor: For a bolder spice flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of ginger or cinnamon.
Rolling Ease: Chilling the dough ensures easier rolling and precise shapes.
Icing Consistency: For detailed designs, ensure your icing is thick enough to hold its shape. Thin it slightly for flooding larger areas.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.
Soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies are a timeless holiday delight that brings joy to bakers and eaters alike. Whether you're crafting intricate designs or enjoying them plain, these cookies are a festive staple that adds warmth and cheer to any occasion. Pair them with other holiday treats from our recipe collection and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Don’t forget to share your creations and spread the holiday spirit!