1. Can I make gingerbread men cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, allow frozen dough to thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting.

2. Why did my gingerbread men cookies turn out hard instead of soft?

Overbaking is the most common reason gingerbread cookies become hard. Be sure to remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked — they will continue to firm up as they cool. Also, storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread helps retain moisture.

3. How can I make these cookies more flavorful?

Letting the dough rest overnight enhances the spice profile. You can also boost flavor by using fresh spices, adding a bit of orange zest, or including a teaspoon of vanilla extract. For a richer taste, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light.

Gingerbread Men Cookies – Best Ever Soft & Chewy Recipe

Name: Gingerbread Men Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies; 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger: Adds warm spice and flavor; 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: Enhances the sweet-spicy aroma; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings depth and slight bitterness; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a cozy, aromatic note; 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly; 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks): Adds moisture and richness; 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Sweetens and adds chewiness; 1/2 cup molasses: Key for soft texture and classic gingerbread taste; 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds moisture; 3 cups powdered sugar (for icing): Forms the base of royal icing; 2 tablespoons meringue powder (for icing): Stabilizes and thickens icing; 5–6 tablespoons water (for icing): Adjusts icing consistency; Sprinkles (optional): For decorating

Description

These soft and chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a festive holiday favorite, flavored with warm spices and molasses. Perfect for decorating with royal icing and sprinkles, they’re a fun and delicious seasonal treat for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies
1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger: Adds warm spice and flavor
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: Enhances the sweet-spicy aroma
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings depth and slight bitterness
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a cozy, aromatic note
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks): Adds moisture and richness
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Sweetens and adds chewiness
1/2 cup molasses: Key for soft texture and classic gingerbread taste
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds moisture
3 cups powdered sugar (for icing): Forms the base of royal icing
2 tablespoons meringue powder (for icing): Stabilizes and thickens icing
5–6 tablespoons water (for icing): Adjusts icing consistency
Sprinkles (optional): For decorating

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and molasses with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add the egg and beat until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dough from the fridge and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men.
Transfer cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 9–10 minutes or until edges are set and centers are soft.
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make royal icing, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat on low until moistened, then on medium for 1–3 minutes until glossy. Keep covered until use.
Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles as desired.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and improves flavor.
Do not overbake — the cookies should be soft in the center.
Use a #3 piping tip for clean, detailed royal icing decoration.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 1 month.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 211
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 152mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 22mg