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Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe


  • Author: Julia Childley
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies

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)