1. Should gingerbread cookies be hard or soft?

Gingerbread cookies can be made to your personal preference. This recipe produces soft gingerbread men with a slightly crisp edge and a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth center. If you prefer a crisper cookie, you can bake them for a bit longer, but this recipe is designed for a soft, flavorful result.

2. Can I make gingerbread cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! Simply make the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before rolling and baking. You can also prepare the icing a few days ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

3. Can I freeze gingerbread cookies?

Yes, you can freeze gingerbread cookies! Once the cookies are baked and completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and decorate when ready.

Gingerbread Man Cookies – Soft & Spicy Holiday Treats

Name: Gingerbread Man Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490171H39M48S
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (100 g) light or dark brown sugar, tightly packed; ½ cup (120 ml) unsulphured molasses; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2-4 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Decorative candies and sprinkles (optional)

Description

These Gingerbread Man Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. Soft, spiced, and buttery, they are perfect for festive gatherings and family baking sessions. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and cute decorations, these cookies will bring joy to everyone who tries them.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) light or dark brown sugar, tightly packed
½ cup (120 ml) unsulphured molasses
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar, sifted
2-4 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Decorative candies and sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and molasses until creamy.
Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into two parts, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thick. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles, if desired.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 3 hours to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Use a generous amount of flour when rolling out the dough to prevent it from sticking.
Cookies are best enjoyed within 1 week but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
If you prefer a spicier cookie, add extra ginger or cinnamon to the dough.
Decorate your gingerbread men with fun icing designs and candy buttons for a festive touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Holiday

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 188 kcal
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 92mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 17mg