The moment you unwrap the gingerbread men cookies from the oven, the deep aroma of warm spices envelops you, transporting you to holiday gatherings where laughter fills the air. Picture the soft, chewy texture as you take your first bite, a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, punctuated by a hint of molasses. These delightful cookies become a canvas for creativity, adorned with vibrant royal icing and sprinkles that spark joy and nostalgia. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition that transforms ordinary moments into magical memories.
What makes this recipe shine
These gingerbread men cookies are truly exceptional, striking the perfect harmony between soft and chewy, with the spices offering just the right kick without overpowering the sweetness. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll craft cookies that not only taste amazing but also look festive and inviting. One of our readers perfectly summed it up:
“These gingerbread cookies have become a staple at our holiday parties there’s nothing better than the smell of them baking!”
How this dish comes together
Creating these cookies is a delightful process that you’ll want to savor. Start by preparing your dry ingredients, blending the spices and flour together for that wonderful flavor base. Then, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy a crucial step for achieving that perfect texture. Once the wet and dry ingredients come together, the dough needs to chill in the fridge. This step is essential, allowing the flavors to meld and making the dough easier to roll out later.
After chilling, roll out the dough into a perfect thickness of 1/4 inch and let your favorite cookie cutters do the work. A quick bake in the oven transforms the dough into beautifully shaped cookies, ready for the finishing touch: royal icing that shines with a glossy finish.
What you’ll need
To pull off these delightful cookies, gather the following 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 (for icing)
- 4 tablespoons warm water (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (for icing)
- Sprinkles of your choice (for decorating)
When selecting your ingredients, opt for high-quality spices. Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor profile, transforming your cookies from simple to sensational.
How to cook it
- In a bowl, combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well mixed, ensuring there are no clumps of spice.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the molasses and egg until fully incorporated, the mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms; it should pull away from the bowl easily.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to shape your gingerbread men.
- Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes. Once they’re slightly firm to the touch, let cool on the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
- For the royal icing, mix the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until it thickens and turns glossy, the perfect consistency for decorating.
- Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with the royal icing and your choice of sprinkles, letting your creativity shine!
Serving ideas
Present your gingerbread men cookies on a festive platter, perhaps paired with hot cocoa or spiced cider. Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair. These cookies also make a lovely addition to a holiday gift basket or can be hung on a Christmas tree for a whimsical touch.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies before icing them. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Helpful cooking tips
- For the best texture, ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Leave it out for about 30 minutes at room temperature to achieve the perfect softness.
- If you have time, letting the dough chill overnight enhances the flavors even more, resulting in a richer taste.
- For easy cleanup, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust flour on your rolling surface. It keeps your dough from sticking without adding too much extra flour.
Creative variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun adaptations to this classic gingerbread recipe:
- Add a bit of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- For a chocolate lover’s delight, incorporate cocoa powder into the dough.
- Try substituting the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor, or even granulated sugar for a sweeter cookie.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to work with, sprinkle in a bit more flour and mix until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Gingerbread Men Cookies
Deliciously soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies adorned with royal icing and sprinkles, perfect for festive holiday gatherings.
- Total Time: 125 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
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 (for icing)
- 4 tablespoons warm water (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (for icing)
- Sprinkles of your choice (for decorating)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in the molasses and egg until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to shape your gingerbread men.
- Place cutouts on baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
- For royal icing, mix powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until thick and glossy.
- Once cookies are cool, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles.
Notes
For best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
