why make this recipe

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy and warmth into your home. These cookies are perfect for the holidays, and they taste amazing with their sweet and spicy flavors. Making gingerbread cookies can create a fun activity for families, especially during festive seasons. Plus, the soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible. Decorating them can also be a creative outlet, making it a great way to bond with friends and family.

how to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

To make these delicious cookies, you will need to follow a few simple steps.

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:

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add molasses and the egg to the butter mixture, mixing well.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out gingerbread men shapes using cookie cutters.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.

For the royal icing:

In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until smooth.
Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles as desired.

how to serve Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Serve these cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They also make great gifts for friends and neighbors. You can plate them nicely and even include a few decorated ones for a festive touch.

how to store Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Store your gingerbread men cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Make sure to pack them properly to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months.

tips to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened properly for easy mixing.
Do not skip chilling the dough, as it helps in easy rolling and shaping.
Use a mix of different sprinkles to make the cookies festive and fun.
Adjust spices according to your taste preference.
Ensure cookies are completely cooled before decorating with icing.

variation

You can add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delicious twist. Another option is to use different spice combinations if you want to try a new flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly.

2. How can I make the cookies more or less sweet?

To adjust sweetness, you can add more or less brown sugar or molasses. Just keep in mind that this may also affect the texture.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to a week before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

These delightful gingerbread men cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for the holidays. The sweet and spicy flavors, along with the fun of decorating, make them an irresistible treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 2 30

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

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) Make sure it is softened properly for easy mixing.
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 Use a mix of different sprinkles for a festive touch.

Method

Preparation

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add molasses and the egg to the butter mixture, mixing well.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out gingerbread men shapes using cookie cutters.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.

Decorating

In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until smooth.
Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles as desired.

Notes

Store your gingerbread men cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them properly for up to three months.