Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
A classic holiday treat, these soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies are filled with warm spices, perfect for festive gatherings and family bonding.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup molasses can be substituted with honey
- 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
For the Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3-4 Tbsp. milk whole or reduced-fat
- Decorative candies or sprinkles optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large bowl. Once melted, mix in the brown sugar and molasses until well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract, egg, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves), mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually incorporate this into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Frosting and Decorating
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to create your frosting.
- Decorate your cooled cookies with frosting and optional candies or sprinkles.
Notes
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can freeze the dough before baking for up to three months.