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Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

A festive cookie recipe that blends warm spices and delightful textures, perfect for holiday gatherings and decorating with loved ones.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour powdery, silky smooth
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda for that perfect rise
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger spicy and aromatic
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon warm and inviting
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves rich, earthy notes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg a hint of nutty sweetness
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt balancing all those flavors
Wet Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened creamy and luscious
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed caramel-like sweetness
  • 1 large egg binding magic
  • 1/2 cup molasses deep, rich flavor
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract fragrant, sweet undertones
  • 1 tablespoon water (if needed) to adjust dough consistency
For Decorating
  • 1 batch Royal icing or store-bought frosting sweet finishing touch
  • as needed Sprinkles or colored sugar bring on the color
  • as needed Mini chocolate chips for decorating

Method
 

Make the Dough
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until well-incorporated.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture until everything is well combined.
Chill the Dough
  1. Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Take the chilled dough out and roll it onto a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  3. Use cookie cutters to shape them into gingerbread men or any fun shape you fancy.
Bake the Cookies
  1. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until they slightly puff up and turn lightly golden.
  3. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate the Cookies
  1. Once cookies have cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, colored sugar, and mini chocolate chips.
  2. Create unique designs that reflect your personality or the festive season.

Notes

If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle flour on your surface and rolling pin. Prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. It can also be frozen for a month.