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Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Delightful soft and chewy cookies with the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, perfect for holiday decorating and enjoyment.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 130
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour This will serve as the base for your dough.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda To provide that lovely rise and texture.
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger The star of the show, bringing warmth and spice.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon For that sweet, aromatic touch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves Adds depth and richness to the flavor profile.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg A hint of nutmeg offers a classic holiday essence.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened) Contributes to the rich, chewy texture.
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar Provides moisture and a caramelly flavor.
  • 1 large egg Binds everything together.
  • 1/2 cup molasses The heart of the gingerbread flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall taste.
For the Royal Icing
  • 1 egg white (or 1 tablespoon meringue powder) For the royal icing.
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar The sweetness and structure of your icing.
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice Brightens the flavor of the icing.
  • Food coloring (optional, for decorating) To personalize your creations.

Method
 

Preparation of Cookie Dough
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed.
  2. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Baking the Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out portions of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut out gingerbread men shapes.
  3. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
  5. Let baked cookies cool on a wire rack.
Preparation of Royal Icing
  1. Beat the egg white (or meringue powder) with lemon juice until soft peaks form.
  2. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until you reach stiff peaks.
  3. Add food coloring as desired.
Decorating the Cookies
  1. Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and allow the icing to harden before serving.

Notes

Chill the dough for better texture and flavor. Use fresh spices for maximum aroma. Decorate creatively with festive shapes!