introduction
This recipe makes soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies with warm spices. For another easy holiday cookie to try, see chewy cranberry orange cookies.
why make this recipe
These cookies stay soft and taste full of ginger and molasses. They are easy to cut and decorate. Kids and guests will love the classic spice flavor.
how to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Ingredients :
- 1 cup (227g) salted butter
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
- 1 cup (340g) molasses
- 1 large egg
- 5 cups (705g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 2-3 Tablespoons water (room temperature)
- Pinch of salt
- Gel or liquid Food coloring (optional)
Directions :
- Cream the butter and brown sugar in a stand mixer for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Add the molasses and egg and mix until combined, scraping the bowl.
- Add the flour, salt, baking soda, and spices and mix until the dough is uniform.
- Shape the dough into a disc on plastic wrap and wrap it tightly.
- Chill the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4″ thickness.
- Cut dough into gingerbread men or desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets with space between each.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until the cookies just start to set.
- Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost or decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing.
- Prepare an easy royal icing using powdered sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, and water if desired.
how to serve Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Serve at room temperature. Arrange on a festive plate or tin. Pair with hot cocoa or tea for a warm treat.
how to store Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them soft. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
tips to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Chill the dough well to keep cookie shapes.
- Use extra flour when rolling to stop sticking.
- Do not overbake; take them out when just set.
- Cool fully before decorating to avoid melting the icing.
variation (if any)
- Add a pinch more ginger for a stronger spice.
- Use cookie cutters of different shapes.
- Tint royal icing with food coloring for colorful decoration.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?
A: Yes. Use a hand mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon.
Q: Why did my cookies get hard?
A: You likely overbaked them. Bake until just set and cool on the pan briefly.
Q: Can I skip chilling the dough?
A: Chilling helps keep shapes. You can cut them without chilling, but they may spread more.
Q: How do I fix sticky dough when rolling?
A: Dust the surface and rolling pin with flour and chill the dough briefly if needed.
Conclusion
For the original recipe inspiration and full details, see Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies – Mom Loves Baking.