Looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday season? Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are here to save the day!
This classic recipe brings the warmth of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg together with a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The rich sweetness of molasses adds deep flavor, while the decorative touch of icing and sprinkles turns each cookie into a little work of art. It’s a personal favorite for both kids and adults, making it a special addition to any festive gathering.
These cookies not only taste great, but they also offer a few convincing reasons to whip up a batch. They are perfect for holiday baking and are fun to decorate with kids. Plus, they fill your home with an aroma that’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly Fun: Decorating these cookies is a blast for kids and adults alike!
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make heartwarming gifts during the holiday season.
- Versatile Flavor: Enjoy them plain or decorated; the choice is yours!
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
Step-by-Step Instructions of Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and egg: Mix in the molasses and the egg until well combined.
- Combine the mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut out the cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are firm. Let cool on a wire rack.
- Make the icing: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until smooth.
- Decorate the cookies: Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies and add sprinkles as desired.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients: It makes mixing easier and ensures a uniform dough.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor!
Substitutions & Variations of Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
To Make It Vegan: Use vegan butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
Variations: Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist, or swap in maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
Storage Instructions of Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Refrigerator: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezer: Freeze the unbaked cutouts between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from the freezer!
Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough a day ahead and let it chill overnight for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour to ensure delicious results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Chill your dough properly before baking, and make sure your butter is not too soft.
What is the best way to decorate gingerbread men?
Use a piping bag for detailed designs and let your creativity run wild with colors and sprinkles!
Final Toughts
Baking Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies is a delightful activity that fills your home with joy and warmth. Whether it’s for a holiday celebration or just a cozy afternoon, these cookies will bring smiles to everyone who enjoys them. Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating about your gingerbread adventures! Happy baking!
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Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Delightful Gingerbread Men Cookies that are soft, chewy, and perfect for holiday baking and decorations.
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 24 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
Instructions
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and egg: Mix in the molasses and the egg until well combined.
- Combine the mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut out the cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are firm. Let cool on a wire rack.
- Make the icing: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until smooth.
- Decorate the cookies: Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies and add sprinkles as desired.
Notes
Chill the dough thoroughly for best results. Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian