Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Chewy gingerbread man cookies are a delightful treat that many people look forward to during the holiday season. These cookies not only fill your home with an irresistible spicy-sweet aroma, but they also provide a fun and interactive baking experience, especially when decorating the little gingerbread men.
Why Make This Recipe
Making chewy gingerbread man cookies is more than just a baking project; it’s a cherished tradition for many families. This recipe brings together warm spices and a rich molasses flavor that truly embodies the spirit of the holidays. The process of rolling, cutting, and decorating provides a wonderful opportunity to bond with loved ones. Whether for a festive gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.
How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Creating your own chewy gingerbread man cookies from scratch is both fun and rewarding. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves results in a delectable flavor profile, while the molasses makes the cookies soft and chewy. Follow the simple steps below to create these delicious treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Molasses (Grandma’s brand)
- 1 Cup Butter Flavored Shortening
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1/2 Cup Water (hot)
- 3/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 3 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Ginger (ground)
- 6 Cups Flour
- 6 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2/3 Cups Milk
- 4 teaspoons Vanilla
Directions:
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Prepare Your Space: Clear your kitchen counter and gather all the ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine molasses, shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, hot water, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor and texture.
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Shape the Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
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Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned at the edges.
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Glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a glaze. Decorate the cooled cookies with the glaze.
Pro Tips for Success Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
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Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Chilling minimizes spreading during baking, resulting in nicely shaped cookies.
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Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices if possible. This makes a noticeable difference in taste.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
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Decorate with Care: For an even presentation, try piping the glaze with a piping bag or squeeze bottle for detailed designs.
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Experiment with Cutters: While gingerbread men are traditional, feel free to use a variety of cookie cutters to make different shapes for various occasions.
Flavor Variations Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
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Chocolate Gingerbread: Add a bit of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist on this classic recipe.
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Maple-Flavored: Substitute part of the molasses with maple syrup to introduce a unique flavor profile.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture and a different flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the ginger and cloves in the recipe for a spicier cookie that packs a punch.
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Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the spices.
Serving Suggestions Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Chewy gingerbread man cookies are perfect for sharing! Serve them at your holiday festivities, package them as gifts, or host a cookie-decorating party with family and friends. These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced cider, or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
To keep your chewy gingerbread man cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a chilly treat!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————–|—————|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
FAQ About Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Can I use different types of flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with a blend of whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
What if I don’t have butter-flavored shortening?
If you don’t have butter-flavored shortening, you can use regular vegetable shortening or unsalted butter as a substitute. The flavor might vary slightly, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free chewy gingerbread man cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps bind the cookies together.
Can I decorate the cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container. Once cooled, decorate them as desired and let the glaze set. They’ll be just as delightful when served later.
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?
Making sure not to overbake is key to keeping your cookies soft. Additionally, storing them with a slice of bread in the container can help retain moisture and maintain a chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
Chewy gingerbread man cookies are a beloved holiday treat that brings joy and warmth to the kitchen. By following this straightforward recipe and utilizing some of the pro tips provided, you can create delicious cookies that family and friends will adore. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a gathering, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to put a smile on your face. Happy baking!
Print
Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful chewy gingerbread man cookies that fill your home with a spicy-sweet aroma, perfect for holiday traditions and decorating fun.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Molasses (Grandma’s brand)
- 1 Cup Butter Flavored Shortening
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1/2 Cup Water (hot)
- 3/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 3 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Ginger (ground)
- 6 Cups Flour
- 6 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2/3 Cups Milk
- 4 teaspoons Vanilla
Instructions
- Prepare Your Space: Clear your kitchen counter and gather all the ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine molasses, shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, hot water, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and flour. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor and texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned at the edges.
- Glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a glaze. Decorate the cooled cookies with the glaze.
Notes
Chill the dough for optimal texture, use fresh spices for better flavor, and don’t overbake to keep cookies soft.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American