Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Soft & chewy gingerbread men cookies are a delightful holiday treat that evoke both nostalgia and joy. Picture a cozy kitchen filled with the warm aroma of spices, the cheer of friends and family gathering, and the laughter of children decorating cookies. This recipe not only captures the holiday spirit but also delivers perfectly soft and chewy cookies that are ideal for festive celebrations, cookie swaps, or simply a fun baking day with loved ones. Trust me; once you’ve tried them, they are bound to become a family favorite!

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are countless gingerbread cookie recipes out there, but what sets this one apart is its incredible blend of warmth and texture. The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a symphony of flavors that feels like a warm hug from your grandmother. Plus, these cookies are exceptionally soft and chewy, making them addictive to all ages.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s not only quick to prepare but also budget-friendly. With the holidays around the corner, it’s the perfect time to whip up a batch for family gatherings or festive cookie exchanges.

“These soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies are now a staple in our holiday traditions! They’re so easy to make and always disappear fast.” — Happy Home Baker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Here’s a quick overview of the steps you’ll take:

1. Prepare your workspace and gather your ingredients.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another.
3. Combine both mixtures to form the dough.
4. Chill the dough to enhance the flavors and make it easier to roll out.
5. Roll out the dough and cut out your gingerbread men.
6. Bake until perfectly golden and cool before decorating with royal icing.

This process ensures you’ll have a fun baking experience with delicious results!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

For the royal icing:

• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Sprinkles of your choice

Feel free to substitute light brown sugar with granulated sugar if you wish for a less caramelized flavor, though the brown sugar adds a lovely richness.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 1/4 cups flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until it forms a soft dough.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Use cookie cutters to shape your gingerbread men and place them on the prepared sheets.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm but the center remains soft.
10. Allow cooling completely before decorating with royal icing.

Best Way to Serve

These gingerbread men cookies are perfect on their own, but they truly shine when served alongside a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea. Consider setting up a decorating station with various sprinkles and icing colors, and let everyone personalize their cookies. They also make fantastic gifts packaged in festive boxes or tied with a ribbon.

Keeping Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Fresh Longer

To store your cookies, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can last for up to a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each cookie in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months—just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Pro Chef Tips

• For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a touch of freshly grated ginger to the dough.
• If your dough is too sticky to work with, simply dust your work surface and rolling pin with more flour.
• To make decorating easier, divide the royal icing into small bowls and color it with food coloring of your choice.

Creative Twists

Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors! You can turn this recipe into spiced molasses cookies by omitting the ginger and adding cardamom. Want to make them a bit more festive? Add a hint of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright twist.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make these cookies?

The active prep time is approximately 30 minutes, but remember to chill the dough for at least 2 hours.

Can I substitute molasses?

Yes, you can use dark corn syrup or honey, but they will yield a different flavor and texture.

How can I decorate the cookies?

Use royal icing, fondant, or simply sprinkle colored sugar before baking to add festive flair.

These soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide a lovely way to connect with your loved ones during the holiday season. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

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• Total Time: 140 minutes
• Yield: 30 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful gingerbread men cookies that are soft, chewy, and perfect for holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• For the royal icing:
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Sprinkles of your choice

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in molasses and egg until well combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until it forms a soft dough.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Use cookie cutters to shape your gingerbread men and place them on the prepared sheets.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm but the center remains soft.
10. Allow cooling completely before decorating with royal icing.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container. They last for up to a week at room temperature, two weeks in the fridge, or freeze for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: gingerbread cookies, holiday cookies, festive baking, soft cookies