Oh, the holidays! Is gingerbread complete without the warm, spicy aroma of ginger bread wafting through the house? What’s better than gingerbread? Gingerbread **Man Sugar Cookies** As a kid, I remember the sheer excitement of decorating these little guys. We’d pull out all the sprinkles, the colored sugars and the candies – it was a full-blown creative. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, tweaking the spices, the icing, everything. I’m so thrilled to share this recipe with you all. These aren’t just cookies. They are so much more than that. They’re memories in the making.
What are gingerbread man sugar cookies?
What is a delightful marriage of two beloved treats? Gingerbread and sugar cookies! They’re essentially gingerbread men, but instead of a chewy, soft texture, these are really sour. Is it better to decorate a room? Think of them as the perfect canvas for your holiday art. The dough is infused with the classic warm spices we all know and love. Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of nutmeg. Then, they’re iced with a sweet, smooth glaze and decorated to your heart’s content. What is the name of a book?
Why you will love this recipe?
Okay, let me gush for a minute. First off, the FLAVOR. The perfect blend of spicy warmth and sweet, buttery cookie. It’s like a hug in cookie form. Secondly, the EASE! I know gingerbread can seem intimidating, but trust me, this recipe is super simple. The dough comes together quickly, and the decorating is pure fun. Thirdly, the COST-EFFECTIVENESS. You likely have most of the spices already, and a few basic ingredients go a long way. This is a great budget-friendly holiday treat. And finally, the VERSATILITY! You can decorate these cookies in a million different ways – classic gingerbread man faces, festive sweaters, anything you can imagine! What I love most about this is the pure joy it brings. My kids, my husband, even my grumpy uncle, they all light up when they see these on the table. Plus, you can even cut them into different shapes like Christmas Trees and Stars!
How do you make gingerbread man sugar cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make gingerbread cookies? How do you shape a gingerbread man? Bake them until they’re golden and lightly crisp. While they cool, we’ll mix up a glaze. Once the cookies are cool, it’s time to decorate them! This recipe is forgiving, and the process is all about having fun.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – I always sift my flour to make sure there are no lumps.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Don’t skip this! It helps the cookies spread a little bit.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The more, the merrier, in my opinion!
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger – The heart of the gingerbread flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – A little goes a long way!
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds warmth and complexity.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s truly soften, not melted.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup molasses – The magic ingredient! Use a good quality one for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a touch of warmth.
For the Filling:
No filling for these cookies, only the batter and frosting.
For the Glaze:
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Sifted for a smooth glaze.
- 1/2 cup milk (or more, as needed) – Whole milk works best, but any kind will do.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- Optional: Gel food coloring – For fun and festive decorations!
What are step-by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). How do you line baking sheets with parchment paper? It prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy. If you don’t have parchment, you can grease the sheets, but parchment is definitely the way to go. To go for perfect results.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the spices are incorporated evenly into the dough and that you don’t get a pocket of too much ginger, or worse yet, a baking soda clump! I find a whisk works best for this. A fork will work too, but make sure you get it all well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic happens! Then, beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined. The molasses gives the cookies that beautiful dark color and deep flavor. Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted, or you’ll end up with a runny dough. Take your time with this step; it’s worth it.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten and make the cookies tough. If you’re using a stand mixer, stop as soon as everything is just incorporated. The dough will be a little sticky, but that’s okay. Now, divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to overnight. Chilling is crucial – it helps the dough firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and making them easier to handle. I usually chill mine for at least two hours to make sure everything is perfectly firm. Believe me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
There is no filling in these cookies, proceed with the glaze.
While cookies are chilling, it’s time to make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Start with 1/2 cup of milk and add more, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired desired consistency. How do you pipe a cookie without running? If you want to add color, this is the time! What are the ingredients for the glaze? You reach your desired shades. Gel food coloring works best, as it doesn’t thin the glaze.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place the cut-out cookies on your prepared baking sheets. I usually put the cutouts as close together as possible to maximize the space on the sheet. If there is space between them, leave a little space.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them – baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still be a little soft. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes. Before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Even though the smell is intoxicating, patience is key!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to decorate! Place the glaze in piping bags, squeeze bottles, or just use a spoon to decorate your cookies. Get creative with the faces, buttons, the little details. I love to set out all sorts of sprinkles, colored sugars and candies for people to choose from.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, your cookies are ready to enjoy! Arrange them on a platter, and watch them disappear! I love to serve these alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or as a festive addition to any holiday gathering.
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies? Can you pair them with anything?
For Breakfast:I love to serve them with a strong cup of coffee and maybe some scrambled eggs. What are some good ways to start the day, especially during the holidays?
For Brunch:What do you serve with a mimosa or scrumptious brunch?
As Dessert: After a holiday dinner, these are the perfect sweet treat. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
For Cozy Snacks: Sometimes, when I’m curled up with a good book or watching a movie, these cookies are the perfect comfort food. A glass of milk or a cup of tea makes the whole experience even better.
My family also has a tradition of leaving a plate of these cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve. It’s a sweet little touch that makes the holiday even more magical.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies
I’ve made these cookies countless times over the years and learned a few tricks along the way.
Zucchini Prep: None here, the batter is just batter.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough, which can make the cookies tough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they come together. Also, make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best results.
Swirl Customization: The swirl technique is really up to you. You can make it as subtle or as pronounced as you like. Just don’t overmix it. For a marbled effect, make sure to just combine gently.
Ingredient Swaps: You can experiment with different spices. If you don’t like cloves, leave them out, or add a pinch of allspice instead. You can even add a touch of orange zest for a brighter flavor. As for the glaze, you can swap the milk for heavy cream for a richer taste. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Baking Tips: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. If your oven bakes unevenly, rotate the baking sheets halfway through. Also, make sure your baking sheets are level, or your glaze will all end up in one corner.
Glaze Variations: If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner glaze, add more. You can also add a touch of lemon juice or almond extract to the glaze for extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These cookies are perfect for making ahead! Here’s how to store and keep them fresh:
Room Temperature: Store the undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Once decorated, store them in a single layer to prevent sticking. If you need to stack them, use parchment paper between the layers.
Refrigerator Storage: If you want to keep them longer, you can store the undecorated cookies in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make sure they’re wrapped well to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze both the baked, undecorated cookies and the dough. Wrap the cookies or dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to two months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before decorating. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to decorate them after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from cracking. If you’re in a rush, you can decorate them the same day you bake them. If you plan on waiting a week, it’s best to refrigerate them, then apply the glaze just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making these **Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies** as much as I do! They’re such a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holidays. The warm spices, the sweet glaze, the endless decorating possibilities – what’s not to love? These cookies have become a cherished tradition in my family, and I hope they’ll become one in yours too. If you give this recipe a try, please let me know what you think in the comments below! I’d love to hear how they turned out and see your creative decorations. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy baking, everyone! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.75 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 batch Royal icing for decorating
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the ginger and cinnamon.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out gingerbread man shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing.
