Gingerbread Men
The smell of gingerbread men baking in my tiny Manhattan kitchen is one of my favorite holiday traditions. Even on the busiest days, these cookies bring us together for some creative fun. Rich with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies are as delightful to decorate as they are to eat. We love making them on chilly afternoons, and Alex always insists on crafting the wackiest cookie faces. It's a mess, but like any mom, I cherish those messy moments.
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Our annual cookie decorating isn't just about the cookies; it's about the time spent laughing and creating memories around the table. It's a highlight of our holiday season. If you love these cookies, you'll definitely enjoy our Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These gingerbread men are perfect for holiday fun, giving you a cozy, spicy blend that warms every room. They're kid-approved, mess-friendly, and a cinch to make—ideal for decorating as a family. Plus, the dough lets you prep ahead or freeze so you're ready come cookie time.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (100 g) light or dark brown sugar
- 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 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar
- 2-4 Tablespoons milk
- 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorative candies and sprinkles (as desired)
Step-by-step instructions
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Combine butter, brown sugar, and molasses, and beat until creamy and well-combined. Stir in egg and vanilla extract until well-combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until the dough is smooth and cohesive.
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Divide the dough into two parts, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼” thick and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
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Place the cookies on the baking sheet, spacing at least 2" apart, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
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For icing, combine powdered sugar, 2 Tablespoons milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until combined. Adjust consistency as needed. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe frosting on cookies, decorating with candies as desired.
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Allow the frosting to harden before enjoying.
Recipe tips & variations
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container.
- You can customize the spices to your liking. Add a touch more cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth.
- If you prefer your cookies crisp, roll the dough a bit thinner before baking.
Storage & reheating
Gingerbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you'd like to keep them longer, freezing the undecorated cookies is a great option. Simply thaw and decorate when you're ready to serve.
FAQs
How do you keep gingerbread men cookies soft yet firm for decorating?
To keep them soft, don't overbake the cookies. They will firm up as they cool down. Also, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Can I make the gingerbread dough ahead of time and freeze it for later use?
Absolutely! Just wrap the dough well with plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
What’s the best icing consistency for decorating gingerbread men cookies?
Aim for a thicker icing that holds its shape when piped. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin it out.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading or losing their shape while baking?
Chilling the dough is key. Ensure the dough is cold before cutting out your shapes and baking.
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Gingerbread Men
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful gingerbread men cookies perfect for holiday fun and family decorating activities.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
- ½ cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 Tablespoons milk
- 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorative candies and sprinkles (as desired)
Instructions
- Combine butter, brown sugar, and molasses, and beat until creamy and well-combined. Stir in egg and vanilla extract until well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until the dough is smooth and cohesive.
- Divide the dough into two parts, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼” thick and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on the baking sheet, spacing at least 2" apart, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
- For icing, combine powdered sugar, 2 Tablespoons milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until combined. Adjust consistency as needed. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe frosting on cookies, decorating with candies as desired.
- Allow the frosting to harden before enjoying.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container.
- You can customize the spices to your liking. Add a touch more cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth.
- If you prefer your cookies crisp, roll the dough a bit thinner before baking.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
