Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a timeless holiday treat that hits that dreamy balance of spice, sweetness, and melt-in-your-mouth chew, these Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are about to become your new favorite. Studded with warm spices like ginger and cinnamon, just the right dose of rich molasses, and that irresistible, soft-baked center, these cookies embody everything magical about the season. They’re festive, fun to decorate, and the heady aroma as they bake is reason enough to gather the family around. Whether you’re new to baking gingerbread or a seasoned pro, this recipe rolls out cookies that are as delightful to eat as they are to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking up a batch of Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies starts with a handful of cozy, classic ingredients. Each plays a starring role—whether it’s adding lift, depth of flavor, signature color, or structure for your cookie-cutter designs. Here’s what you’ll need, and why:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure your gingerbread men need to hold their adorable shape while staying tender.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor and extra moisture for chewiness.
- Unsulphured molasses: Essential for authentic gingerbread flavor and that classic dark hue.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness, tenderness, and helps create that perfect, soft bite.
- Large egg: Binds your dough and contributes to that soft, cakey texture.
- Ground ginger: Delivers the signature spicy warmth of traditional gingerbread.
- Ground cinnamon: Boosts the complexity and cozy aroma!
- Ground cloves: Adds bold, earthy spice notes that round out the flavor profile.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth beneath all the other spices.
- Baking soda: Gives your cookies a little lift for a soft, not dense, result.
- Salt: Heightens all those lovely flavors—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla extract: A splash locks in that wonderful bakery-style aroma you can’t resist.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
Start by grabbing a large bowl and a handheld or stand mixer. Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy—a good three to four minutes. This is where your cookies get their tender texture and lovely richness, so don’t rush this step! Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure every bit of sugar is blended in.
Step 2: Add in the wet ingredients
Beat in the egg, rich molasses, and vanilla extract. As soon as you pour in that molasses, you’ll see the dough deepen into that classic gingerbread color. Everything should meld into a smooth, luscious mixture. If you’re tempted to dip a finger in for a taste—well, I won’t tell!
Step 3: Whisk and combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisking them ensures the spices disperse evenly through every inch of the dough, so each cookie comes out perfectly seasoned and spiced. Ginger and cinnamon really get to shine here, bringing that unmistakable gingerbread flair.
Step 4: Mix dough and chill
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it! Divide the dough into two portions, press each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Allow the dough a solid two hours in the fridge—chilling makes it easier to roll out and cut, and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 5: Roll, cut, and bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one disk of dough at a time on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite gingerbread man cookie cutters to press out shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. For that coveted soft-and-chewy texture, bake for just 8–10 minutes—the edges should be set and the centers just slightly underdone.
Step 6: Cool and decorate
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for five minutes on the tray to set up, then move them to a wire rack. When totally cool, unleash your decorating creativity! Try royal icing, candies, or simple powdered sugar for a festive finish. Decorating is the best part—invite some helping hands and make this a memorable holiday tradition.
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Garnishes
Classic white royal icing piped on smiling faces and squiggles is always a hit, but you can also sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar over their heads for a delicate “snowy” effect. Mini chocolate chips, red cinnamon candies, or colorful sprinkles bring playful personality—perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones.
Side Dishes
These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a standout on a holiday cookie platter, but truly shine alongside a mug of spiced cider, creamy hot cocoa, or even coffee. For an extra-special spread, pair them with other festive treats such as buttery shortbread, linzer cookies, or tart cranberry bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange gingerbread men in a festive basket lined with tissue for a cozy, rustic vibe, or nestle them in decorative tins as an edible gift for teachers and neighbors. For parties, string a few cookies with ribbon and hang them as big, edible ornaments—the decorations double as dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and decorated, keep your Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay beautifully soft for up to 5 days—though chances are you’ll find them disappearing quickly.
Freezing
You can freeze undecorated baked cookies or even the unbaked dough itself. Wrap tightly in plastic and stash in zip-top bags; cookies will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and decorate freshly whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
If you like your gingerbread men a touch warm (who doesn’t?), pop a cookie in the microwave for 5–8 seconds before serving—it’ll soften slightly and the spices come alive. Avoid the oven, as it can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies without molasses?
Molasses is what gives gingerbread its classic depth of flavor and rich color, but in a pinch, you could substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup. Just know the flavor will be milder and a bit less traditional.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is the magic step for easy rolling, perfectly shaped cookies, and thicker, chewier results. If you skip it, your dough will be sticky and your gingerbread men may spread too much in the oven.
What’s the best way to decorate Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies?
Royal icing is classic for those sharp, clean lines and fun details, but melted white chocolate, edible markers, or even tinted buttercream all work great. Add sprinkles or candies right after icing for extra flair.
My cookies came out hard. How do I keep them soft?
Be sure to bake at the lower end of the time range—they should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out. Also, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread; it’ll help maintain moisture.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Absolutely! This Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies recipe scales easily. Just use half or double of every ingredient, and keep an eye on your dough’s texture and bake times for perfect cookies, no matter the batch size.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely special about sharing homemade Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies with people you care about. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, a cozy snow day, or gifting to neighbors, this recipe promises cookies packed with classic holiday cheer and delightful flavor. Happy baking—and may your kitchen smell just as wonderful as these taste!
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Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a holiday favorite, perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet treat. The combination of warm spices and molasses gives these cookies a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsulphured molasses
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough, cut out shapes, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool and Decorate: Let cookies cool before transferring to a wire rack. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key for easy rolling and clean cut-outs.
- For softer cookies, bake on the lower end of the time range.
- Decorate with royal icing or candy for a festive finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
