Spiced Delight: Irresistibly Soft Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe

Baking gingerbread men cookies brings winter magic straight to your kitchen, filling the space with warm, spicy gingerbread aromas that dance through the air.

Traditional holiday spices merge perfectly in this soft & chewy gingerbread men cookies recipe that promises delightful texture and rich flavor.

Molasses and ground ginger create a deep, complex sweetness that makes these cookies irresistible.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers, making each bite a delectable experience.

Festive shapes and decorative icing turn these cookies into edible art that delights both children and adults.

Every baker can master this simple yet spectacular treat that captures the essence of holiday cheer.

Let these charming cookies become your new seasonal tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 162 kcal

Servings: 23

All You Need For Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create soft texture in cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps maintain moisture in the cookies.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
• Molasses: Gives classic gingerbread flavor and dark color with subtle sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds subtle warmth.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and base for the cookie dough.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.

• Ground Ginger: Delivers signature spicy-sweet gingerbread flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic depth to the cookie.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds subtle, complex warmth and traditional holiday essence.
• Ground Cloves: Contributes intense, sharp spiciness characteristic of gingerbread.

Tools To Shape Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and beating ingredients until fluffy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cookie cutter (gingerbread man shape): Key tool for creating classic cookie silhouettes.
• Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Rolling pin: Required for rolling out dough to consistent thickness.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool properly and maintain crisp edges.
• Plastic wrap: Used for chilling and storing dough.
• Small bowls: Helpful for separating dry and wet ingredients.

How To Bake Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Right

• Holiday Vibes

Dive into the world of festive baking with this delightful gingerbread cookie adventure. These soft and chewy treats will fill your kitchen with warm, spicy aromas that scream holiday cheer.

• Dough Magic

Grab your mixing bowl and start blending butter with brown sugar until it looks fluffy and dreamy. Toss in the egg, molasses, and vanilla, creating a rich mixture that promises deliciousness. In another bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients – flour, warming spices, and a pinch of baking soda.

• Cookie Crafting

Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface, making it nice and thin. Grab your gingerbread man cookie cutter and start creating adorable little cookie friends. Arrange them carefully on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

• Oven Transformation

Slide your cookie sheet into a preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake until the edges look set but the centers remain soft – about 8-10 minutes. The key is to keep them tender and chewy.

• Festive Finishing

Once cooled, let your creativity shine! Decorate these little guys with royal icing, sprinkles, or tiny candy details. Watch them transform from simple cookies to edible works of art that’ll make everyone smile.

Fun Decorating Tips For Gingerbread Men Cookies

• Baking Brilliance: Expert Gingerbread Men Cookie Tips
• Spice Intensity Adjustment: Dial up or down the spice blend by increasing or decreasing ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to match your personal flavor preference. Experiment with subtle tweaks to create your signature cookie profile.
• Chilling Dough Secret: Never skip the chilling step – cold dough prevents spreading and helps cookies maintain their adorable gingerbread man shape. Refrigerate for maximum 24 hours for best texture and flavor development.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities. Add xanthan gum for better binding if your blend doesn't include it.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine to create a delicious vegan version. Ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free for complete allergen accommodation.
• Storage Superstar: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to one week. Freeze decorated or undecorated cookies for extended enjoyment, maintaining their soft and chewy texture.

Serving Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies To Kids And Adults

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange gingerbread men cookies on a decorative Christmas plate, creating a charming display that captures the seasonal spirit and invites guests to enjoy these delightful treats.
• Cozy Winter Dessert Pairing: Serve these cookies alongside a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate or creamy eggnog, enhancing the rich, warming flavors of the gingerbread and creating a comforting winter dessert experience.
• Kids' Decorating Party: Host a fun cookie decorating session where children can personalize their gingerbread men with colorful icing, candies, and sprinkles, turning baking into an interactive and memorable family activity.
• Gift-Worthy Treat Packaging: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, creating charming homemade gifts perfect for teachers, neighbors, or holiday party hosts.

Storage Advice For Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

• Fresh-Batch Strategy: Store gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap unbaked dough disks or baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze raw dough for 3 months or baked cookies for 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Moisture Magic: Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to keep cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly during storage.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking, storing in the refrigerator. This technique enhances flavor development and makes last-minute holiday baking a breeze.

Festive Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Homemade gingerbread men cookies blend warm spices with classic holiday cheer. Molasses and ginger create rich, nostalgic flavors that connect bakers directly to cherished seasonal memories.

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Ingredients

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• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120 ml) unsulfured molasses
• ¾ cup (112 g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
• Assorted sprinkles or candies

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until fluffy and light. Blend egg, molasses, and vanilla extract thoroughly into the mixture.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Combine until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
3. Chilling: Divide dough into two compact disks, wrap in plastic film, and refrigerate for one hour to intensify flavors and improve texture.
4. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Cutting and Arranging: Press gingerbread man cookie cutter into rolled dough, transferring shapes to prepared baking sheets with one-inch spacing. Reroll scraps and continue cutting.
6. Baking: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft. Watch carefully to maintain optimal chewiness and prevent over-browning.
7. Cooling and Decorating: Rest cookies on baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, adorn with royal icing, sprinkles, or candy embellishments.
8. Storing: After decorations set, store gingerbread men in an airtight container, ready to delight and serve.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate dough for at least 60 minutes to prevent spreading and develop rich, complex flavor profiles during baking.
• Master Rolling Technique: Roll dough to precise 1/4-inch thickness for consistent texture and even baking, ensuring soft, chewy cookie perfection.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft, preventing over-browning and maintaining signature tender texture.
• Customize Decoratively: Experiment with royal icing, edible glitter, or natural food coloring to personalize gingerbread men for different occasions or dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 74 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg