Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies are a holiday classic, bringing festive charm and warm spices to your table. These cookies are perfect for decorating with family or serving at holiday gatherings. With their rich molasses flavor and cozy blend of spices, they’re guaranteed to be a hit this season.

What Are Gingerbread Man Cookies?

Gingerbread man cookies are spiced cookies shaped like little people, typically made during the holiday season. This recipe delivers a soft and chewy texture, balanced by the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Whether you decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain, these cookies are both fun to make and delicious to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect texture: Soft, chewy centers with slightly crisp edges.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Great for decorating: A fun activity for kids and adults alike.
• Holiday favorite: Ideal for gifting or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (180 ml) molasses
• 1 large egg
• Royal icing and candy decorations (optional, for decorating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients, cutting it in with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the molasses and egg until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Shaping the Cookies

4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a ¼-inch thickness.
6. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one.

Baking

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating

9. Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and candy decorations as desired. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a mug of hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy treat.
• Package in festive tins or bags for holiday gifts.
• Display on a platter for a charming centerpiece at holiday parties.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store decorated or undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Instructions

• Unbaked Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
• Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter, egg with a flax egg, and use a vegan molasses brand.
• Spicier Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

What if I don’t have molasses?
You can substitute dark corn syrup or a mixture of honey and maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Why do my cookies spread too much?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling and cutting. If the dough softens during shaping, refrigerate the cut cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.

Soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday traditions. Their festive appearance and comforting flavors make them perfect for sharing with loved ones or giving as thoughtful gifts. Try this recipe and let the warm aroma of spices fill your home—happy baking!

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