ginger bread man cookie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ginger bread man cookie recipe

I’ve always been a sucker for a good gingerbread man cookie recipe. There’s something about the combination of spices and molasses that just makes my heart happy. My kids love helping me make these cookies, and they’re always a hit at family gatherings.

I think it’s because they’re just so easy to make and customize to your liking. Plus, they’re perfect for snacking on throughout the day. As a bonus, they’re actually relatively healthy compared to some other sweet treats out there.

The molasses gives them a nice boost of iron, and the ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, they’re just so darn delicious! I like to make a big batch of dough on the weekend and use it throughout the week to make individual cookies or even cookie sandwiches.

My kids love when I let them pick their own toppings – we’ll do everything from sprinkles to chopped nuts to even candy pieces. It’s such a fun way to get creative in the kitchen without breaking the bank or stressing over making something perfect. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the smell of gingerbread wafting through their house?

It’s just one of those classic scents that never fails to put me in a good mood.

Gingerbread Man Cookies

4.7 from 1843 votes

Delicious and festive gingerbread man cookies perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy the classic warm spice flavors that make these treats irresistible.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time12-15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time32-35 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decorating

Royal icing
Candy decorations (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7The dough should be slightly sticky.
8If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
9If it’s too dry, add a bit more molasses.
10Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.
11Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
12Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread man shapes.
13Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
14Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
15The centers should still be soft.
16Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
17Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with royal icing and candy decorations as desired.
18Allow the icing to set before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 120mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Watch Video Of How Gingerbread Man Cookies Works

These gingerbread man cookies are truly a staple in our household – we love them for snacking on throughout the day or as part of special occasions like holiday gatherings or birthdays.

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is: you can easily customize the toppings or mix-ins to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.

And let’s not forget about storage – these cookies freeze beautifully and can be reheated whenever you need a quick treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Man Cookies

1. What is the difference between using crystallized ginger and ground ginger in this recipe?

Crystallized ginger has a much more intense flavor than ground ginger, so you’ll want to use less of it to avoid overpowering your cookies. If you only have ground ginger on hand, you can definitely use that instead, but keep in mind it won’t have quite the same depth of flavor.

2. Can I use any type of molasses in this recipe?

Yes, but keep in mind that light molasses will give your cookies a milder flavor than dark molasses. If you’re looking for a stronger flavor, go with the dark stuff! Just be aware that it might affect the texture slightly.

3. How do I store these cookies for long-term keeping?

You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve them again, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and proceed as directed. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours can behave differently, so you may need to adjust the ratio of liquid ingredients slightly.

5. Why do my cookies spread so much during baking?

This could be due to one of several factors: overmixing the dough, not chilling it long enough before baking, or using too much liquid ingredient.

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