There’s something about the smell of gingerbread cookies baking that instantly makes your home feel festive and cozy. These Gingerbread Men Cookies are more than just a classic holiday treat—they’re a chance to slow down, get creative, and make sweet memories. Whether it’s decorating with the kids or enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies never fail to make the season brighter.
If you’re ready to turn your kitchen into a holiday wonderland, let’s bake some Gingerbread Men Cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for the Holidays: These cookies practically scream Christmas with their warm spices and adorable shapes.
- Customizable: Decorate them as simply or as elaborately as you like; it’s your canvas!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped in advance and baked when you’re ready.
- Fun for All Ages: Whether you’re baking with kids or doing a cookie exchange, these are always a hit.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials:
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives these cookies structure. Be sure to measure accurately for the perfect consistency.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor and keeps the cookies soft.
- Molasses: Essential for that classic gingerbread taste. Opt for unsulfured molasses for the best flavor.
- Ground Spices: A mix of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives these cookies a warm, festive kick.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the dough come together.
- Egg: Binds the dough for the perfect texture.
Pro Tips:
- Want a crispier cookie? Roll the dough thinner and bake a minute or two longer.
- No molasses? Try using dark honey or maple syrup in a pinch, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar until smooth. Add 2/3 cup molasses and 1 large egg, mixing until well-combined.
- Mix and Chill: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Prepare royal icing or use store-bought icing tubes to decorate your cookies. Get creative with sprinkles, candies, and edible glitter!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much during baking.
- Even Rolling: Use rolling pin guides or stack rulers on either side of the dough for uniform thickness.
- Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spiced-Up Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a touch of orange zest to the dough for an extra festive flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with hot chocolate or spiced cider for the ultimate holiday indulgence!
FAQs
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
- How do I store decorated cookies? Store them in a single layer in an airtight container to avoid smudging the decorations.
- Can I use this dough for other shapes? Yes! The dough works perfectly for other holiday-themed cutters like stars, trees, or snowflakes.
Recipe Card
Gingerbread Men Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chill time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and spices. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Mix in molasses and egg until smooth.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients into a dough. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
- Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 8-10 minutes. Cool before decorating.
These Gingerbread Men Cookies are just the thing to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday season! I can’t wait to see your creations—share them with me by tagging your photos on social media with #TheKitchensAid. Happy baking, friends!
