There’s just something magical about gingerbread man cookies, isn’t there? For me, it’s pure nostalgia. I remember being a kid, standing on a stool next to my grandma, carefully rolling out the dough and using those adorable little gingerbread man cutters. The smell of ginger and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen…it was heaven! These Gingerbread Man Cookies bring back those memories, but with a recipe that’s actually easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. Think of them as the festive cousin of your favorite Sugar Cookies, but with a warm, spicy kick that’s just perfect for the holidays (or any time you need a little comfort!).
What is gingerbread man cookies?
Gingerbread Man Cookies are essentially spiced cookies shaped like, well, gingerbread men! They’re made with a combination of flour, butter, sugar, molasses, and a blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Think of it as a blank canvas of cookie goodness, perfect for decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or whatever your heart desires. Gingerbread dates back centuries, and these cookies are a festive twist on traditional gingerbread. It’s essentially a taste of childhood in every bite, made with simple ingredients and lots of love! It’s not just a cookie, it’s a holiday tradition.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me tell you why this Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe is a winner. First, the flavor is incredible! The perfect balance of sweet molasses, spicy ginger, and warm cinnamon just melts in your mouth. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is. Seriously, don’t let the idea of making Gingerbread Man Cookies intimidate you. The dough comes together quickly, rolls out like a dream, and the baking time is super short. It’s so much easier than complicated sugar cookie recipes! Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably already have everything you need. It’s also totally versatile! You can get super creative with the decorations, making them as simple or as elaborate as you like. Make a double batch for a cookie swap, package them up as gifts, or just enjoy them warm from the oven with a glass of milk. I’ve also noticed that these cookies are just naturally less sweet than your average sugar cookie, so you can feel a *little* less guilty about indulging! I always make a huge batch for Christmas and they never last long!
How do you make gingerbread man cookies?
Quick Overview
Making these Gingerbread Man Cookies is easier than you think! You’ll start by creaming together the butter and sugar, then adding molasses and spices. Next, you’ll gradually mix in the flour to form a smooth dough. After chilling the dough, you’ll roll it out, cut out your gingerbread men, bake them until golden brown, and then let them cool before decorating. It’s really that simple, and the end result is a batch of delicious, perfectly spiced Gingerbread Man Cookies that everyone will love!
Ingredients
What is Gingerbread Dough?
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (I prefer unbleached flour for a slightly nutty flavor).
* ¾ teaspoon baking soda (helps give them that perfect rise and chewiness).
* ½ teaspoon baking powder (for extra lift!).
* 14 teaspoon salt (enhances the sweetness and spice).
* 1 12 teaspoons ground ginger (the star of the show!
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds warmth and depth).
* 12 teaspoon ground cloves (a little goes a long way!).
* 14 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely hint of cozy flavor).
* 34 cup (1 12 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s *really* soft for easy creaming).
* 34 cup packed Brown Sugar (adds moisture and a caramelly sweetness).
* 12 cup molasses (the key to that classic gingerbread flavor and dark color – use unsulphured).
* 1 large egg (binds everything together).
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the other flavors).
For the Royal Icing:
* 3 cups powdered sugar (sift it to avoid any lumps!).
* 3 tablespoons meringue powder (this is what makes the icing harden properly).
* 5-7 tablespoons warm water (add gradually until you reach the desired consistency).
* Food coloring (gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors).
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I remove cookies from the pan?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, and cinnamon. Set aside. What is clove and nutmeg Make sure everything is well combined so that the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and Brown Sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this with an electric mixer? If the mixture is pale and almost doubled in volume, it should be dissolved.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the molasses, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Is it true that the mixture will come together in a blender?
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Divide dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 days. At least 1 hour. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. I actually chill mine overnight – works great!
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 14 inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cutters to cut out the cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. How long will it take to bake a cookie?
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. How do I cool completely? Once cooled, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles. Let your creativity shine!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to serve gingerbread man cookies?
For Holiday Parties:Arrange them on a festive platter with other Christmas cookies and candies. What are some of the best holiday desserts to make?
What is hot chocolate? Dip them in a warm mug of hot chocolate for a cozy and comforting treat. My kids love this!
As Gifts: Package them up in cellophane bags or tins and give them as homemade gifts. Everyone loves a sweet treat during the holidays!
For a Gingerbread House Party: Bake a batch of these along with all the gingerbread house pieces! It’s a fun way to get everyone involved.
My family’s tradition is to have these Gingerbread Man Cookies after caroling. We make a huge pot of hot cocoa, load it with marshmallows, and everyone decorates their own cookie. It’s the highlight of our Christmas Eve!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Gingerbread Man Cookies
Here are some tips to help you make the best Gingerbread Man Cookies ever:
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Don’t skip this step!
Roll Out Evenly: Roll out the dough to an even thickness for uniform baking. If some cookies are thicker than others, they will bake unevenly.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Let Cool Completely Before Decorating: If you try to decorate the cookies while they are still warm, the icing will melt.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to customize the flavor of your Gingerbread Man Cookies. A little orange zest is also a nice addition.
Get Creative with Decorations: Use different colors of icing, sprinkles, candies, and edible glitter to decorate your cookies. Let your imagination run wild!
One trick I learned the hard way? Always double the Icing Recipe! You’ll need more than you think, especially if you have kids helping decorate.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your Gingerbread Man Cookies to keep them fresh:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay fresh and flavorful.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to freeze them without the icing. Decorate them after they have been thawed. This will prevent the icing from becoming soggy.
When I freeze them, I always add a small piece of parchment paper between each cookie. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easier to grab just a few at a time. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Gingerbread Man Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a symbol of holiday cheer, family traditions, and warm memories. With their perfectly spiced flavor and adorable shape, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So gather your ingredients, get the kids involved, and start baking! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my classic Sugar Cookie recipe or my spiced shortbread cookies. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how your Gingerbread Man Cookies turn out!
Gingerbread Man Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup molasses dark molasses preferred
- 1 cup sugar granulated sugar
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups flour all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar, and molasses.
- Beat in eggs.
- Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
