Gingerbread Man Cookies are a beloved holiday treat that fills your kitchen with the warm and inviting aromas of spices and sweetness. These adorable cookies are not only fun to make, especially when decorating, but they also carry a festive spirit that brings joy to gatherings and celebrations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just for a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 1.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 23 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 50 mg
Why Make This Gingerbread Man Cookies
Gingerbread Man Cookies are a timeless recipe that evokes childhood memories of decorating gingerbread men with colorful icing and candies. The blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates an inviting flavor profile that is synonymous with the holiday season. Perfect for sharing, these cookies make lovely gifts packaged in decorative boxes or bags. Baking these cookies can be a delightful activity to bond with family and friends, creating moments that you’ll treasure for years to come.
How to Make Gingerbread Man Cookies
Step 1: Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out with that perfect texture.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture creates the flavorful base for your cookies.
Step 3: Creaming
In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies a delightful texture.
Step 4: Combining
Add in 1/4 cup of molasses, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is evenly blended. You will end up with a smooth dough that smells wonderful!
Step 5: Rolling and Shaping
Flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread man shapes. This is where you can have fun with the design!
Step 6: Baking
Place the shaped cookies onto a greased or lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them, as they can bake quickly!
Step 7: Cooling
Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. This resting time is essential to ensure that the icing does not melt when applied.
How to Serve Gingerbread Man Cookies
These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties or as a delightful treat during a winter movie night. For an extra special touch, present them with a cup of warm milk or hot cocoa. You can also set up a decorating station with icing and candies for kids to personalize their cookies.
How to Store Gingerbread Man Cookies
Store your gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough if it’s too soft; this can help with cutting out cookie shapes.
- Add decorative elements like royal icing or melted chocolate for festive finishing touches.
- Experiment with adding mini chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Gingerbread Men: Substitute part of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey spin.
- Spiced Glaze: Create a spiced glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg for drizzling on top.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.
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What icing works best for decorating? Royal icing is ideal for detailing. It dries hard and allows for beautiful decorations.
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Can I use honey instead of molasses? Yes, honey can be used, but it will alter the flavor slightly. The cookies won’t be as dark and have a different sweetness profile.
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Are these cookies good for gifts? Absolutely! Decorate and package them nicely for a delightful homemade gift.
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How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking? Ensure that your butter isn’t too warm and consider chilling the dough before baking.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Man Cookies are a classic festive treat that brings smiles and warmth to any occasion. Their delightful spices and sweet taste make them a favorite among cookie lovers of all ages. Whether you bake them for a holiday gathering or for a fun family activity, these cookies are sure to win hearts. So, gather your ingredients, invite some loved ones over, and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking these charming cookies together!
Print
Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and festive gingerbread man cookies perfect for holiday celebrations and decorating.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into gingerbread man shapes.
- Place cookies on a greased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
