Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

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Gingerbread men have long been a symbol of the holiday season, their sweet, spiced aroma evoking cozy kitchens and joyful gatherings. This version is especially beloved for its soft and chewy texture, delicate mix of warm spices, and crisp royal icing. Whether you decorate them simply or with a touch of sparkle, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat.

Tips and Serving Suggestions

• Chill the dough well: It’s easier to roll and cut when firm.
• Keep the cookies soft: Bake until just set for a tender texture.
• Make ahead: The dough can be refrigerated overnight or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Serve with hot cider, cocoa, or tucked into a cookie tin for gifting.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg, at room temperature

For the Royal Icing

• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

For Decorating

• Sprinkles of your choice

Directions

1. Whisk the dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and molasses with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and beat until just combined.
3. Combine and chill the dough
   With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, do not overmix. Divide dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 1 hour or overnight.
4. Roll and cut the dough
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut out cookies with a 3-inch gingerbread man cutter and transfer to parchment-lined half sheet pans.
5. Bake the cookies
   Bake for 9–10 minutes, until the edges are just set. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the royal icing
   In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar. Beat on low until moistened, then on medium for 1–3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Keep covered with a damp cloth until ready to use.
7. Decorate and enjoy
   Once cookies are fully cooled, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles as desired.

Equipment

• Half sheet pans
• Parchment paper
• 3-inch gingerbread man cookie cutter
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoons
• Electric mixer

Happy Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter

Nutrition Information

Each cookie contains approximately 211 calories, with 38g carbohydrates, 6g fat, and 2g protein. They are rich in warm spices and sweetened with molasses and brown sugar.
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Storage and FAQs