Why Make This Recipe
Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They fill your kitchen with a warm and spicy aroma that brings a smile to everyone’s face. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, allowing you to enjoy quality time with loved ones while baking. Decorating them with candies and sprinkles adds a fun touch, making these cookies perfect for parties, gifts, or simply as a treat.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
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
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3-4 Tbsp. milk; whole or reduced fat
- Decorative candies or sprinkles; optional
Directions
To Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses. Mix until smooth. Then, add the vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and the egg. Stir until combined.Next, sprinkle in the baking soda and flour. Gradually mix in the flour, starting with 3 cups and adding more if the dough is too sticky. Mix until a soft dough forms.
To Make the Gingerbread Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are firm.Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
To Frost the Gingerbread Cookies
In another bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to make your frosting. You can adjust the milk to get the desired consistency. Decorate the cooled cookies with frostings and sprinkles as desired.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
These cookies are a delightful treat served warm or at room temperature. Place them on a festive platter during holiday gatherings or enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. They also make great gifts when wrapped in decorative boxes or bags!
How to Store Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for a week, but they are best enjoyed within a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to three months.
Tips to Make Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Make sure your butter is fully melted but not too hot when mixing.
- Measure the flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off for the best result.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator if it seems too soft to roll out easily.
- Decorate the cookies with variety to create a fun mix of designs.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips or substitute some of the spices for others you enjoy, like cardamom or allspice, to give these cookies a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The cookie dough can be made and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies ahead and store them in an airtight container.
2. What if I don’t have all the spices?
If you’re missing some spices, don’t worry! You can use a pre-made gingerbread spice blend or adjust based on what you have on hand. Just remember that the flavor may slightly change.
3. Can I use different types of flour?
Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that this may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.
Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive gingerbread men cookies that are soft and chewy, perfect for 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
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3–4 Tbsp. milk (whole or reduced fat)
- Decorative candies or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses. Mix until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and the egg. Stir until combined.
- Sprinkle in the baking soda and flour. Gradually mix in the flour, starting with 3 cups and adding more if the dough is too sticky. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are firm.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- In another bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to make your frosting. Adjust the milk to get the desired consistency.
- Decorate the cooled cookies with frostings and sprinkles as desired.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature, or serve with hot cocoa or tea.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: gingerbread, cookies, holiday baking, dessert, soft cookies