Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
These soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies are perfect for the festive season, combining warm spices and rich molasses for a delightful treat that’s fun to decorate.
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks) Must be softened but not melted.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
For the royal icing
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons warm water
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Sprinkles of your choice For decorating.
Instructions
For the cookies
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in molasses and egg until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
For the royal icing
- In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water.
- Beat with a mixer until the icing holds stiff peaks.
- Adjust consistency with more water if necessary for piping or flooding.
Decoration
- Once your Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies have cooled completely, use the royal icing to pipe outlines, fill in shapes, and add fun facial expressions and clothing details. Top with colorful sprinkles.
Notes
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Chill the dough well to prevent spreading. Don't overbake the cookies, as they will continue to set as they cool. Experiment with different spices for a personalized flavor twist. These cookies also make a charming gift when packaged in festive boxes or tins.