Follow Me !
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
why make this recipe
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. They are not only fun to make but also delightful to eat. The warm spices and the sweet aroma fill your home with a cozy feeling, making it a joyful experience for the whole family. Plus, decorating these cookies can be a great activity to bond with friends and loved ones.
how to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons warm water
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Sprinkles of your choice
Directions:
For the cookies:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the molasses and the egg to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Make sure everything is combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
For the royal icing:
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
- Beat it until it forms stiff peaks. You can adjust the consistency with more water or powdered sugar if needed.
how to serve Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Serve these delicious cookies as a sweet treat during the holidays. Place them on a festive plate and invite friends and family to enjoy them. You can also use them as decorations for your home or as part of a holiday gift basket.
how to store Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the baked cookies or the unbaked dough. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Chill the dough properly to prevent cookies from spreading when baking.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Decorate with icing and sprinkles right after the cookies cool down.
variation
You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for a different flavor. Also, try using different shapes for your cookies using various cookie cutters.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
A: Yes, brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor to the cookies, making them chewier.
Q: Is it necessary to chill the dough?
A: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to roll out.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check for a good binding agent to maintain texture.
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Delightful gingerbread men cookies perfect for the holiday season, featuring warm spices and a fun decorating activity.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons warm water
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
For the Cookies
- In a bowl, mix the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the molasses and the egg to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Make sure everything is combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
For the Royal Icing
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
- Beat it until it forms stiff peaks. You can adjust the consistency with more water or powdered sugar if needed.
Notes
Chill the dough properly to prevent cookies from spreading when baking. Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup. Decorate with icing and sprinkles right after the cookies cool down. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Freezing is an option for longer storage.
