Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread men cookies are a timeless holiday favorite, blending the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with a sweet, molasses-rich dough. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a fun baking project with kids, these cookies are as delightful to decorate as they are to eat.

What Are Gingerbread Men Cookies?

Gingerbread men cookies are classic spiced cookies made with a combination of flour, butter, sugar, molasses, and aromatic spices. Traditionally shaped like little men, they’re often decorated with icing, candies, or sprinkles to add a festive touch. These cookies are soft yet sturdy, making them perfect for holiday decorating and gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic holiday treat: Brings the cozy flavors of the season to your table.
• Fun and customizable: Perfect for decorating with kids or exploring your creative side.
• Make-ahead friendly: These cookies store well, making them ideal for holiday prep.
• Aromatic and flavorful: Packed with warm spices for a deliciously festive taste.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120 ml) molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves). Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, a little at a time, until a cohesive dough forms.

Shaping the Cookies

6. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to a ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness.
7. Cut shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men or other festive shapes.
8. Transfer to baking sheet: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.

Baking

9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
10. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Decorating

11. Get creative: Use icing, candies, and sprinkles to decorate your gingerbread men cookies as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine, or spiced tea for the ultimate holiday treat. They’re also a charming addition to holiday dessert platters or as edible ornaments on your Christmas tree.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing Instructions

• To freeze the dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
• To freeze baked cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), and ensure your sugar and molasses are vegan-friendly.
• Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for additional warmth.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking if needed.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes, dark brown sugar will add a deeper molasses flavor.

This gingerbread men cookies recipe is a festive classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With their warm spices, chewy texture, and endless decorating possibilities, they’re a holiday must-have. Try this recipe today and share the joy with friends and family!

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