Description
Gingerbread men cookies invite winter warmth with classic spices and delightful shapes. Festive baking brings families together, creating memories through sweet, spiced treats that connect generations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (80g) molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170g) powdered sugar (for royal icing)
- 2–3 tbsps milk or water (for royal icing)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for royal icing)
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients by whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, warm spices, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until all ingredients are fully integrated and create a uniform consistency.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms without overmixing.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each section tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow flavors to develop and dough to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough portion to a 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring an even surface for cutting cookie shapes.
- Use gingerbread men cookie cutters to carefully cut out festive shapes, transferring them to the prepared baking sheets with gentle precision.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for set edges while maintaining a soft center, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
- Once fully cooled, decorate with royal icing and festive edible embellishments, letting the icing set before serving.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking.
- Use fresh, high-quality spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a more intense, vibrant flavor profile.
- Roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure uniform thickness without adding excess flour.
- Adjust baking time slightly for softer or crispier cookies depending on personal texture preference, watching edges carefully to avoid over-browning.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 133
- Sugar: 13.8 g
- Sodium: 29 mg
- Fat: 4.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.8 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg