Description
A holiday classic, these gingerbread men cookies are packed with warm spices and a rich molasses flavor. Fun to make and decorate, they’re perfect for family baking sessions or festive celebrations.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Roll and shape: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to create gingerbread men shapes.
- Bake: Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are firm but centers are soft.
- Cool and decorate: Cool cookies completely on wire racks, then decorate with icing, candies, or sprinkles.
Notes
- Make ahead: The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
- Prevent spreading: For sharper shapes, chill cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal (per cookie, approximately)