Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Chewy gingerbread man cookies bring that old fashioned holiday spirit to your kitchen with a deep molasses flavor and a texture that stays soft for days. Shaping these playful cookies has become a cherished winter ritual in my home and this dough is perfect for decorating with kids or making big batches for gifting.

I started making these cookies on snowy afternoons when my kids wanted a sweet project and every year we create memories with silly icing designs and gingerbread men lined up along the windowsill.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: This creates the right structure for cut out cookies Look for unbleached flour for the best texture
• Ground ginger and ground cinnamon: Key spices for warmth and a classic gingerbread kick Use fresh spices for bold flavor
• Ground cloves: Adds a subtle earthiness so do not skip even if you use just a pinch
• Baking soda: Essential for gentle rise and slight puff in the cookies Check that your baking soda is fresh and lump free
• Salt: Brings out all the other flavors A fine sea salt works best
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for chewy texture Always use real butter for best results
• Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar infuses moisture and caramel notes Choose dark brown sugar if you like a stronger molasses taste
• Molasses: Blackstrap molasses gives a deep color and bold flavor Use unsulphured molasses for a balanced sweetness and no bitterness
• Large egg: The egg binds the dough and gives just the right chew Use room temperature eggs for even mixing
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spice and creates a homey aroma Choose pure vanilla instead of imitation
• Royal icing: Great for classic cookie decorating Choose a thick consistency so your details hold their shape

Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together the flour with ginger cinnamon cloves baking soda and salt in a large bowl This ensures even flavor and light texture because the leaveners and spices are fully blended

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In another mixing bowl beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color About three to five minutes on medium Use a hand mixer or stand mixer paddles Stop and scrape the sides as needed

Mix in Wet Ingredients:

Add the molasses then crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla Beat until completely combined This makes for a rich dough and the molasses color should turn glossy

Combine and Chill Dough:

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients Mix slowly until a soft dough forms Do not overmix Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour Longer chilling makes the dough easier to roll out and enhances flavor

Preheat and Roll Dough:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit While the oven preheats roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured work surface Keep thickness even at about one quarter inch Thicker dough makes chewier cookies

Cut Out Shapes:

Dust your cookie cutters with flour to prevent sticking Press firmly into the dough to create gingerbread men shapes Gather the scraps and re roll as needed for more cookies

Bake:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully arrange the cookies with space between them Bake for eight to ten minutes until the edges look set The centers might look slightly soft That is perfect for chewy cookies

Cool and Decorate:

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling Wait until fully cool before using royal icing to decorate Add faces buttons and whatever you like

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The smell of fresh gingerbread baking instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen Her secret was a sprinkle of extra cinnamon and molasses and that touch always makes these cookies taste like Christmas morning for my family

Storage Tips

Store these gingerbread cookies in an airtight tin or container and they will keep soft for up to one week To freeze layer cookies between sheets of parchment in freezer bags They defrost in about thirty minutes at room temperature so you can always have a batch on hand for last minute cravings or guests

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy free version swap vegan butter and opt for plant based egg replacer in place of the egg If you are out of molasses try a blend of maple syrup and dark brown sugar for a milder flavor Though traditional gingerbread flavor really shines with real molasses

Serving Suggestions

Use royal icing to pipe on playful faces scarves and buttons or press candies or chocolate chips before baking for kid friendly decorations Gingerbread men are great as edible tree ornaments or as a tasty gift with a holiday card I especially love pairing them with spiced apple cider on frosty afternoons

Cultural Touch

Gingerbread cookies have roots in medieval Europe where the spices were prized for both flavor and preservation Gingerbread men became popular in Victorian England as whimsical table décor For me sharing a plate of these sturdy little figures means honoring a tradition that stretches back centuries and always brings a smile

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Have fun with decorating and use these gingerbread men to create new memories with your family. Their old fashioned flavor and chewy bite never go out of style.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I achieve extra chewy gingerbread men?

Chilling the dough thoroughly and slightly underbaking the cookies ensures a softer, chewier texture.

→ Is the royal icing necessary?

The royal icing is optional and is mainly for decoration. The cookies are delicious even without it.

→ Can the dough be made ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be chilled overnight or even frozen for longer storage, making prep flexible.

→ What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.

→ Can I use different cookie cutter shapes?

Absolutely! While traditional, you can use any festive shapes you prefer for these spiced cookies.