Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a delightful treat that fill your kitchen with the warm, spicy scents of the holiday season. Whipping up a batch of these cookies is not only a fun activity but also a great way to make festive memories with loved ones as you decorate them together.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies. For one, they are a classic holiday favorite that people of all ages adore. Whether you are hosting a holiday party, baking with kids, or simply treating yourself, these cookies hit that perfect sweet and spicy note. The chewy texture is irresistible, and the fun shapes make them perfect for decorating. Plus, they are a fantastic way to show creativity with icing and sprinkles!
How to Make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Making these Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies is simple and rewarding. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and directions to help you create your own holiday batch!
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
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and the egg to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. Stir it until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two balls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out one ball of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- For the royal icing, mix powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar in a bowl until smooth. You may need to adjust the water for your desired consistency.
- Decorate your gingerbread men with royal icing and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Pro Tips for Success with Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill makes it easier to roll out. This also helps maintain the shape when baking.
- Use Quality Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your cookies a more robust flavor. Consider checking the freshness of your spices if you haven’t used them in a while.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies! They should be soft to the touch when you take them out; they’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Rolling Technique: Use a floured surface to avoid sticking, and roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Decorate Creatively: The fun of gingerbread cookies lies in decorating them! Experiment with different icing colors and sprinkles to personalize your cookies.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Flavor Variations for Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Chocolate Gingerbread: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Maple Infusion: Substitute molasses with pure maple syrup for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy gingerbread surprise.
Serving Suggestions for Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Consider serving your Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot cocoa. They can also be delightful when paired with a simple vanilla glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For holiday gatherings, arrange them on a festive platter, and encourage guests to decorate their cookies at a DIY decorating station. These cookies also make lovely gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags with festive ribbons.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for about one week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the decorated or undecorated cookies. Simply place them in a single layer in an airtight container, and separate layers with parchment paper. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————-|————–|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
FAQ About Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to use one that measures the same as regular flour for the best results.
What can I use instead of meringue powder?
If you don’t have meringue powder, you can use egg whites instead, or simply omit the icing altogether. The cookies will still taste amazing without the icing.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
If stored in an airtight container, your Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies can last up to a week at room temperature. If you want to preserve them for a longer time, consider freezing them.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie. Just keep in mind that this may affect the cookie’s texture and flavor a bit.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape while baking, so it’s highly recommended. It also makes the dough easier to roll out.
Final Thoughts
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are more than just a dessert; they carry the essence of the holiday spirit, making them perfect for sharing and celebrating. The blend of spices warms your heart, while the fun of decorating makes them a joy to create with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful process of making and decorating these festive cookies!
Print
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and spicy gingerbread men cookies perfect for holiday celebrations and decorating with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out)
- 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
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and the egg to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two balls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out one ball of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- For the royal icing, mix powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until smooth. Adjust water for desired consistency.
- Decorate your gingerbread men with royal icing and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
Chill the dough for easier rolling and to maintain shape while baking. Use quality spices for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American