Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a holiday classic with warm spices, a hint of molasses, and a delightful texture. Perfect for decorating and sharing, these cookies bring a festive touch to any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Flavorful: These cookies are perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Family-Friendly: A fun activity for kids to help decorate.
Festive and Versatile: Customizable with icing, candies, or sprinkles.
Keeps Well: Great for gifting or making ahead for holiday parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup molasses
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decorating:

Royal icing or store-bought icing
Candy decorations (optional)

Directions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine and Chill Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Roll and Cut:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
Bake:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate:
- Once cooled, decorate with royal icing and candy decorations as desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a unique twist.
Citrus Touch: Add orange zest to the dough for a fresh flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Decorate after thawing.
Reheating: Gingerbread cookies don’t require reheating but can be warmed slightly in the microwave for a soft texture.

FAQs

1. How can I ensure my cookies are soft?

Avoid overbaking and remove the cookies while the centers are still slightly soft.

2. What’s the best way to roll out the dough?

Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

4. What if my dough is too sticky?

Chill the dough longer or add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

5. Can I use blackstrap molasses?

Yes, but it has a stronger flavor, so use sparingly if you prefer a milder taste.

6. How do I make royal icing?

Mix 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon meringue powder, and 2–3 tablespoons water until thick and smooth.

7. What if I don’t have cookie cutters?

Use a knife to shape the dough or roll it into balls and flatten for simple round cookies.

8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but butter provides better flavor and texture.

9. What’s the best way to decorate?

Use piping bags for detailed designs, or let kids add sprinkles and candies for fun.

10. How do I prevent the dough from cracking?

Ensure the dough isn’t too cold when rolling. Let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature if needed.

Conclusion

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a festive favorite that captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Whether you’re decorating with family or baking for a holiday party, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and festive cheer. Give them a try and enjoy a timeless holiday tradition!