Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies wafting through the air, especially during the holiday season. These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a festive favorite, perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their delightful blend of spices and their soft, chewy texture, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they are fun to decorate, making them a fantastic activity for both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients Overview

For the Cookies:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling out the dough)
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 ½ sticks)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg at room temperature

For the Royal Icing:

• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

For Decorations:

• Sprinkles of your choice

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make these delightful gingerbread men cookies, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack
• Gingerbread man cookie cutter (about 4 inches)
• Piping bags or ziplock bags for icing

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined. Set this mixture aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and molasses with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Add the egg and continue to beat until everything is well combined.

2. Chilling the Dough

With the mixer on low speed, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Divide the dough into two halves, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm – about 1 hour or overnight if you prefer to make the dough ahead of time.

3. Rolling Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to roll out. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. If the dough becomes too soft, work in a bit more flour. Use a 4-inch gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then transfer the cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets. Re-roll any remaining scraps of dough and continue cutting until all the dough is used.

Baking the Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to firm up but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process with any remaining dough.

Making Royal Icing

Combine the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar in a mixing bowl. Beat on low speed until the ingredients are moistened, then increase the speed to medium and continue to beat for 1-3 minutes, or until the icing is slightly thickened and glossy. Keep the royal icing covered with plastic wrap until you are ready to use it to prevent it from drying out.

Creative Decorating Ideas

Now comes the fun part – decorating your gingerbread men! Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off, pipe the royal icing onto the cooled cookies in any design you like. You can outline the cookies, add faces, buttons, or any other creative designs. Finish by adding sprinkles for a festive touch. Allow the icing to set completely before storing or serving the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: This can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the shape of the cookies during baking.
• Overbaking the Cookies: Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the cookies stay soft and chewy.

Storage Tips for Gingerbread Cookies

To keep your gingerbread men cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the baked cookies (without icing) for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature and decorate when ready to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve these gingerbread men on a festive platter, with a side of warm hot chocolate or a spiced tea for a cozy holiday treat. They also make great gifts! Arrange a few cookies in a decorative box or tin, tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade present.

Possible Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter substitute.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Increase or decrease the amount of spices to suit your personal taste.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

2. What if I don’t have a gingerbread man cookie cutter?
Feel free to use any cookie cutter shape you have on hand, or simply cut the dough into squares or circles using a knife or glass.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be firm, but the centers should remain slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Conclusion

These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are the perfect holiday treat – simple to make, fun to decorate, and delicious to eat. Make sure to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delightful recipes and tips!

Print