Ingredients
Scale
- 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