Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. These cookies are perfect for decorating with your family, serving at parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They bring warmth and festive cheer, making them a must-bake recipe during the holiday season or whenever you’re craving something sweet and spicy.
Why Make This Recipe
The allure of Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies lies not only in their charming shape and cozy spices but also in the memories they can create. Baking can be a heartfelt activity, especially when done with loved ones. These cookies are a wonderful choice for family gatherings, holiday traditions, or simply an afternoon of fun in the kitchen. Additionally, their soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible to people of all ages.
Whether you’re preparing for a festive occasion or just want to indulge in some homemade goodness, these cookies offer the perfect blend of flavors that can warm your heart and bring smiles to faces. Plus, you can personalize your gingerbread men with different decorations, making each batch unique!
How to Make Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Making Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies is easier than you might think. Follow this simple guide, and soon you’ll have a batch of deliciously spiced cookies ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
To prepare these charming cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. cloves
- 1 whole egg
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 3-3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3-4 Tbsp. milk (whole or reduced fat)
- Decorative candies or sprinkles (optional)
Directions
-
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until you achieve a smooth consistency. Then, add in the molasses, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well to combine.
-
Prepare the Spice Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. Gradually add this spice mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
-
Add the Flour: Begin adding the all-purpose flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. You should be able to handle it easily, and it should not stick too much to your hands.
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Roll Out the Dough: On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness ensures the cookies will be soft and chewy.
-
Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
-
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
-
Make the Frosting: In a separate bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and has a good consistency for decorating.
-
Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the frosting and add decorative candies or sprinkles as desired.
Pro Tips for Success with Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
-
Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky to roll out, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
-
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye while baking, as overbaking can lead to crisp cookies instead of chewy ones. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges firm up.
-
Choose Fresh Spices: Using fresh spices enhances the flavor of your cookies. Check your spice shelf for freshness before baking.
-
Add a Touch of Creativity: You can create unique designs and patterns when decorating. Let your imagination run wild, and get creative with the candies and sprinkles!
-
Test the Dough: Before rolling out all the dough, take a small piece and bake a test cookie to see if you need to adjust any spices or sweetness.
Flavor Variations for Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
-
Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a zesty twist that brightens up the flavors.
-
Chocolate Delight: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough for a delicious chocolate-ginger combination that will please all chocolate lovers.
-
Nutty Additions: Mix in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch amidst the chewy texture.
-
Honey Infusion: Substitute part of the molasses with honey for a different sweet profile and a hint of floral flavor.
-
Maple-Infused: Replace the brown sugar with maple sugar for a unique twist that gives the cookies a subtle maple flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
These cookies can be enjoyed in numerous ways! Here are some serving suggestions:
-
Cookie Decorating Party: Invite friends or family over for a cookie decorating party. Provide various sprinkles, icing colors, and candies so everyone can create their own gingerbread men.
-
Share with Neighbors: Wrap a few cookies in pretty packaging and share them with your neighbors. It’s a lovely way to spread kindness during the holiday season.
-
Holiday Treat Table: Include these cookies in your holiday dessert spread alongside other festive treats. They add charm and a nostalgic touch.
-
Great As Gifts: Perfectly packed in a decorative box, these cookies make fantastic homemade gifts for friends and family.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To ensure your Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies stay fresh:
-
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
-
Freezing Cookies: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cookies. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months.
-
Reheating: When ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it briefly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Element | Amount |
|———————-|———–|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
FAQ About Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly. The cookies may turn out denser, but they’ll still be delicious and add a nutty flavor.
How can I get my cookies to keep their shape while baking?
To help the cookies maintain their shape, make sure they are chilled before baking. If necessary, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes in the refrigerator before placing them in the oven.
What kind of decorations can I use for the cookies?
The options are endless! You can use royal icing, buttercream frosting, or even store-bought tubes designed for decorating. For decorations, consider using sprinkles, edible glitter, or candies like mini M&Ms, gumdrops, or chocolate chips.
How do I make my gingerbread cookies more or less spicy?
Adjusting the spices in the recipe is simple. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of ginger and cinnamon. Conversely, to amp up the spice, consider adding more of those ingredients or including additional spices like cardamom or allspice.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, it’s possible to make a vegan version of these cookies! Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, use plant-based milk for the frosting, and replace the egg with a flaxegg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes).
Final Thoughts
Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies hold a special place in many hearts. Their delightful taste and charming appearance are perfect for bringing joy and warmth to any gathering. By following this recipe, you’re not just baking cookies; you’re creating memories that can be cherished for years to come. So gather your ingredients, invite a few loved ones into your kitchen, and start a delightful baking adventure today! Enjoy the sweet aroma and the fun of decorating as much as you will savor these delightful cookies. Happy baking!
Print
Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies perfect for decorating with family and enjoying during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. cloves
- 1 whole egg
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 3-3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3-4 Tbsp. milk (whole or reduced fat)
- Decorative candies or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Then, add molasses, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Slowly add the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft. Let cool on a wire rack.
- In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to make the frosting.
- Once cookies are cool, decorate with the frosting and add candies or sprinkles as desired.
Notes
Chill the dough if it’s too sticky. Don’t overbake to maintain chewiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American