Soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies are a classic holiday treat that bring warmth and joy to any gathering. The spicy aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills the air as these cookies bake in the oven, making them a delightful addition to festive celebrations. Kids and adults alike love decorating these cookies, turning them into fun and festive characters. The best part is they are easy to make at home with simple ingredients. This recipe will guide you through every step to create perfect gingerbread men.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe for soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies is special for several reasons. First, the cookies are soft and chewy, unlike traditional hard gingerbread. This is ideal for munching and enjoying with friends and family. Second, the blend of spices gives these cookies a warm, comforting flavor that captures the essence of the holiday season.
You will also love how easy this recipe is to follow. Even if you are not an experienced baker, you can still make magical gingerbread men with little effort. Plus, the fun of decorating adds an extra layer of excitement for both children and adults. From thoughtful shapes to colorful icing and sprinkles, everyone can get creative. Lastly, these cookies are perfect for sharing. They make wonderful gifts and are delightful to include in holiday baskets.
HOW TO MAKE Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Making soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies is easy and straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure you make the best cookies.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before you start baking, gather the necessary equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (gingerbread man shape)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Plastic wrap (for chilling the dough)
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
For the Cookies:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy.
- Add Molasses and Egg: Pour in the molasses and add the egg. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until a dough starts to form.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the dough firm up for rolling.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: Dust your surface with flour and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut Out Shapes: Use the cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. The centers may seem soft but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
For the Royal Icing:
- Mix Icing Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, warm water, and cream of tartar. Mix until smooth and stiff peaks form.
- Decorate Cookies: Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off to decorate your cookies as you desire. Add sprinkles for extra fun.
HOW TO SERVE Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Serving soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies is all about presentation. Arrange your decorated cookies on a festive plate or a tiered stand to make them shine. You can serve them with hot cocoa, milk, or even coffee. These cookies also make a charming centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
To keep your gingerbread men cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week.
If you want to freeze them, place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
There are many fun ways to serve your soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies:
- Cookie Decorating Party: Set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Invite friends over for a fun cookie decorating session.
- Gift Giving: Package a few cookies in decorative bags, perfect for gifts during holiday parties.
- Dessert Table: Include them in a dessert table alongside other holiday treats. They will be a hit at any celebration.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Add Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or use chocolate icing for a richer flavor.
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of ground ginger or add other spices to suit your taste.
- Different Shapes: Use other cookie cutters to make various shapes for different occasions beyond the holidays.
- Flavor Twist: Add a bit of orange zest or lemon zest for a citrusy note.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the cookies might be denser. A mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour works well too.
2. How can I make my cookies more chewy?
To make chewier cookies, do not overbake them. Bake just until the edges are set, and the centers look slightly underbaked.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a few days in advance. Wrap it well and store it in the fridge until you are ready to roll it out and bake.
4. Is it necessary to use meringue powder for the icing?
Meringue powder helps the icing dry faster and stay firm. If you don’t have it, you can use a simple icing made with powdered sugar and water, but it may not dry as hard.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
If you want to prepare in advance, here are some helpful tips:
- Prepare the Dough: Make the dough and refrigerate it the night before. This way, you can roll and cut out the cookies the next day.
- Bake Ahead: Bake the cookies a few days before you need them. Store them properly, and they will taste fresh.
- Decorate When Ready: You can decorate the cookies the night before or the day of serving. This keeps your decorations looking fresh and bright.
With this detailed guide, you will have all the information needed to make soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies that everyone will love! Enjoy the warmth and flavor of these delightful treats this holiday season!
Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy.
- Pour in the molasses and add the egg. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until a dough starts to form.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the dough firm up for rolling.
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dust your surface with flour and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use the cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. The centers may seem soft but they will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
- In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, warm water, and cream of tartar. Mix until smooth and stiff peaks form.
- Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off to decorate your cookies as you desire. Add sprinkles for extra fun.