why make this recipe
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any festive occasion. They are fun to make and decorate, which brings joy to both kids and adults. The combination of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking. Plus, these cookies are not just tasty; they offer a delightful softness that takes every bite to the next level.
how to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
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
For the cookies:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out shapes using a gingerbread man cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
For the royal icing:
- In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks.
- If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring.
how to serve Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
These cookies look great on a festive plate. Consider decorating them with royal icing and sprinkles to make them extra special. They can be served at holiday parties, given as gifts, or enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa.
how to store Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
tips to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Chill the dough to make it easier to roll out.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be soft when you take them out of the oven.
- Decorate the cookies after they have cooled completely.
variation
Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for a different flavor. You can also use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars or snowflakes.
FAQs
1. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar can be used. It will give the cookies a richer flavor.
2. How can I make the cookies spicier?
You can increase the amount of ground ginger or add more spices like cardamom for an extra kick.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
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)
- 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 For decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out shapes using a gingerbread man cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Royal Icing
- In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks.
- If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring.