Perfectly soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies have a special place in my heart, especially during the holiday season. The aroma of warm spices wafting through the kitchen brings back fond memories of baking with my family. When the holidays approach, the quest for the perfect gingerbread cookie begins, and this recipe delivers a delightful combination of softness and chewiness that is sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re decorating with your kids or serving them at festive gatherings, these gingerbread men are not just cookies; they’re edible expressions of joy.

Reasons to try it

There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of these gingerbread man cookies. For one, they are incredibly simple to make, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses come together in a way that simply screams “holiday cheer.” Plus, they’re budget-friendly and use pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Serving these cookies fresh from the oven at a holiday party or gifting them to friends or neighbors adds a personal touch that store-bought treats can’t compete with.

"These cookies are the perfect holiday treat! Soft and chewy with just the right amount of spice. They disappeared as soon as I set them out!" – A happy home baker

The cooking process explained

Making these perfectly soft, chewy gingerbread man cookies involves a few straightforward steps that yield amazing results. Start by whisking together your dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors. Next, cream the butter and sugars until they are light and fluffy, which is key for the right texture. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, chill the dough, then roll it out and cut shapes. This method ensures each cookie bakes evenly and is easy to decorate once they’re cooled. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful treats!

What you’ll need

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses

Feel free to make substitutions if needed, such as using whole wheat flour for a healthier twist or substituting honey for molasses for a different flavor profile!

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these directions to create your gingerbread men:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and molasses until fully integrated.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a cohesive dough forms.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the cold dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into your desired shapes.
With care, place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are firm to the touch. Allow them to cool completely.
Unleash your creativity by decorating them with Royal Icing, Glaze Icing, or Buttercream Frosting as desired.

Best ways to enjoy it

While these gingerbread men cookies stand beautifully on their own, there are many creative ways to elevate their presentation. Arrange them on a festive platter alongside a glass of cold milk or warm spiced cider for a delightful treat. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For a fun twist, set up a cookie decorating station with various toppings, inviting friends and family to get creative while assembling their own cookie masterpieces.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their life, consider freezing them. Just be sure to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and enjoy them warm or slightly toasted!

Helpful cooking tips

When creaming butter and sugars, ensure that your butter is at room temperature for optimum creaming. This will help achieve that light and fluffy texture essential for great cookies.
If you want a stronger flavor, increase the amount of spices slightly. Alternatively, adding a touch of vanilla extract can brighten the flavor profile.
If the dough feels too sticky to roll out, refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes.

Creative twists

Looking to switch things up? Experiment with these variations:

Add chocolate chips for a richer flavor explosion.
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients.
For a festive twist, sprinkle colored sugar on top for a sparkling effect.
Incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and surprise.

Common questions

How long does it take to prepare?
The total time for preparation, including chilling the dough, is about 3 hours.
Can I substitute molasses?
Yes, light corn syrup or honey can be used as alternatives, but they will change the flavor slightly.
Do they keep well?
Yes, when stored properly in an airtight container, they can last for up to a week at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.

Don’t wait too long; make these perfectly soft, chewy gingerbread man cookies today, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful holiday treat!

Gingerbread Man Cookies

These perfectly soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies are a delightful holiday treat, filled with warm spices and fond memories of baking with family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3

Cook Time 10

Total Time 3 10

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Feel free to substitute with whole wheat flour.
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger Increase for a stronger flavor.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimum creaming.
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses Can substitute with honey for a different flavor.

Instructions

Preparation

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and molasses until fully integrated.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a cohesive dough forms.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm up.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the cold dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into your desired shapes.
Carefully place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are firm to the touch. Allow them to cool completely.

Decoration

Decorate with Royal Icing, Glaze Icing, or Buttercream Frosting as desired.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Keyword Baking, Chewy, Cookies, gingerbread, Holiday Treats