These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They fill your home with a warm, sweet aroma that everyone will love. Baking these cookies is easy and fun, making them a great activity for families or friends.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This gingerbread cookie recipe is simple and delicious. The flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves come together beautifully. It makes soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth. Decorating them is a joyful experience, especially with kids. They make delightful treats for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or just cozy evenings at home.
How to Prepare Gingerbread Men Cookies
Making these cookies is a straightforward process. You mix the dry ingredients, cream the butter and sugar, and then combine everything into a dough. Once chilled, you roll it out and cut out your shapes. It’s a fun way to spend time in the kitchen, and the end result is a batch of lovely cookies.
What You Need
Here’s what you will need to make these Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies:
- 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
Step-by-Step
For the Cookies:
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses and the egg, mixing well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients to form a dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes or until set.
For the Royal Icing:
- Beat the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until smooth.
- Decorate your cooled cookies and add sprinkles as desired.
How to Serve Gingerbread Men Cookies
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with fun toppings like whipped cream or milk. They are also great for holiday parties or as gifts. Pair them with hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat. Set them out on a decorative plate to brighten up your table during festive gatherings.
How to Store Gingerbread Men Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers. To enjoy again, let them thaw at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the dough to make it easier to roll out.
- Use a sharp cookie cutter for clear shapes.
- Don’t overbake; cookies will harden as they cool.
- Experiment with different spices for varied flavors.
- Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
Variations & Swaps
- Replace molasses with honey for a lighter taste.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Try using orange zest for a citrus flavor.
- Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before. Just chill it and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap.
Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container after baking, and they will stay fresh.
What can I use instead of meringue powder?
You can use egg whites instead. Use about 2-3 egg whites for every 2 tablespoons of meringue powder.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.
What mistakes should I avoid when making these cookies?
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Also, don’t skip the chilling step; it’s key for the best texture.
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 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)
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
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses and the egg, mixing well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients to form a dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes or until set.
For the Royal Icing
- Beat the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until smooth.
- Decorate your cooled cookies and add sprinkles as desired.
