ginger man cookie recipe

The Best ginger man cookie recipe

I’ve been making this ginger man cookie recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them.

The combination of crystallized ginger and molasses gives it a rich, spicy flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether we’re having a family gathering or just need a quick snack, these cookies are always a good idea.

I’ve experimented with different types of sugar and spices over the years, but this recipe remains one of my favorites. The key to making these cookies is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the crystallized ginger.

It adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with fresh ginger. I’ve also found that using brown sugar instead of white sugar gives the cookies a slightly caramel-like flavor that complements the molasses perfectly.

My family loves these cookies warm from the oven, but they’re also great at room temperature or even frozen for later. I’ve made them for holidays, birthdays, and just because – they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Ginger Man Cookies

4.8 from 1873 votes

These Ginger Man Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic gingerbread man. Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and perfect for the holiday season.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10-12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time32 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 200 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg

For Decoration

Royal icing
Sprinkles
Candy eyes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5Add molasses and egg, mix well.
6Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
8This step is crucial for easy rolling and cutting.
9On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
10Use a ginger man-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
11Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
12Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
13Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
14Once cookies are completely cool, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, and candy eyes as desired.
15Allow icing to set before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Piping bag or small spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 200 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 120mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier cookie, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

I love serving these cookies at family gatherings or special occasions because they’re easy to make ahead of time and can be stored for up to 5 days.

My kids also love helping me make these cookies because they get to use their favorite ingredients like crystallized ginger and molasses.

When storing these cookies, I like to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature – it helps preserve their texture and flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ginger Man Cookies

Q: What is the origin of the ginger man cookie recipe?

This recipe has its roots in traditional British baking, where crystallized ginger was a common ingredient in sweet treats like cookies and cakes.

Q: Can I substitute crystallized ginger with fresh ginger?

No, fresh ginger will not provide the same depth of flavor as crystallized ginger. If you don’t have crystallized ginger on hand, you can try making your own by boiling thinly sliced fresh ginger in sugar syrup until it reaches the desired consistency.

Q: How do I store these cookies?

These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months – just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend and proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed.

Q: Are these cookies suitable for children?

This recipe is child-friendly, but be sure to supervise young children while they’re helping in the kitchen due to the hot oven and sharp utensils.

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