gingerbread men cookies recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
gingerbread men cookies recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best gingerbread men cookies recipe

I’ve been making gingerbread men cookies for years, and they’re still a favorite in our household. I love this recipe because it’s easy to follow and the end result is always delicious.

My kids adore the process of making these cookies, from measuring out the ingredients to decorating the finished products with icing and sprinkles. This recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a holiday party or just a casual Tuesday evening.

Plus, the health benefits of gingerbread men can’t be beat – they’re made with wholesome ingredients like molasses, which is rich in iron and other essential nutrients. The key to this recipe is using high-quality spices, such as ground ginger and cinnamon, which add depth and warmth to the cookies.

I also appreciate that this recipe uses unsalted butter, which makes it a bit healthier than some other cookie recipes out there. Overall, this gingerbread men cookies recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s tried-and-true, easy to make, and always a hit with my family.

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gingerbread Men Cookies

4.8 from 1189 votes

Classic gingerbread men cookies with a delicious spiced flavor. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime fun.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 200 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

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

For Decorating

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Assorted food coloring
Sprinkles or candies for decoration

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Mix well.
4In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5This should take about 2-3 minutes.
6Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
7Mix until well combined.
8Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
9The dough should be slightly sticky.
10If it is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
11If it is too dry, add a bit more molasses.
12Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap.
13Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
14This step is crucial for easier rolling and cutting.
15On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
16Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
17Place the cut-outs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
18Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
19The centers should still be soft.
20Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
21While the cookies are cooling, prepare the royal icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
22Add food coloring as desired and mix well.
23Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the royal icing and sprinkles or candies as desired.
24Allow the icing to set for at least 1 hour before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Rolling pin
Gingerbread man cookie cutter
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 200 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a fun activity, involve kids in decorating the gingerbread men. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Watch Video Of How Gingerbread Men Cookies Works

This gingerbread men cookies recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need something sweet for your family dinner night. The best part?

They’re incredibly easy to make! Just remember to store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer-term storage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Men Cookies

Q: What is the difference between molasses and blackstrap molasses?

Molasses is a thick, dark liquid made from refining sugar cane or sugar beets. Blackstrap molasses is a stronger, more robust form of molasses that’s made by boiling down sugarcane juice until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency. In this recipe, we use blackstrap molasses for its rich flavor and health benefits.

Q: Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?

While you can use regular flour in place of whole wheat flour in this recipe, keep in mind that whole wheat flour provides more fiber and nutrients than regular flour. If you choose to use regular flour, your cookies may not be as dense or flavorful.

Q: Can I make these cookies without anise extract?

No problem! You can simply omit the anise extract if you don’t have it on hand or prefer not to use it. The anise extract adds a subtle licorice flavor to the cookies that complements the ginger nicely.

Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you store them in the refrigerator, they’ll last longer – up to 7 days!

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can make these cookies ahead of time by baking them as instructed and then freezing them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Similar Posts