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Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

These delightful holiday cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with warming spices, making them a festive favorite for any celebration.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookies
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour This forms the cookie's base, giving it the perfect structure.
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger Adds a warm, spicy kick that defines gingerbread.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon Brings sweetness and warmth, marrying perfectly with ginger.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Offers a subtle, aromatic note that enhances the flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Deepens the flavor profile with its warm essence.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensures the cookies rise perfectly while retaining their chewy texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Provides richness and a smooth texture.
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed Gives a deep, molasses flavor that’s essential for gingerbread.
  • 1/2 cup molasses Contains the sweet, robust taste that makes these cookies a true gingerbread delight.
  • 1 large egg, room temperature Binds all ingredients together.
For the royal icing
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar For making the royal icing.
  • 4 tablespoons warm water Helps in achieving the right consistency for the icing.
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder Stabilizes the icing for perfect decorations.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar Adds stability and helps to achieve a glossy finish.
  • to taste Sprinkles of your choice A fun way to decorate and personalize your gingerbread men!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare your workspace by clearing and lightly flouring the surface to avoid sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until fluffy and light in color.
  4. Add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth and well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  6. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours in plastic wrap, allowing flavors to meld and making it easier to roll out.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) as you prepare to bake.
  2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into gingerbread men shapes using cookie cutters.
  3. Place the cookies on a greased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
  4. Cool on a wire rack before decorating; this ensures the royal icing adheres properly.
Decoration
  1. For the royal icing, mix powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until smooth and has a pipeable consistency.
  2. Decorate the cooled cookies with the icing and sprinkle with your favorite colors and shapes for a festive touch.

Notes

Chill your dough sufficiently for that perfect chewy texture. For richer flavors, allow the dough to chill overnight. Consider adding mini chocolate chips or dried fruits into the dough. Use a variety of sprinkles to create fun decorations!