Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe

These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season. With a combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies have a rich flavor and soft, chewy texture. Ideal for decorating with icing or simply enjoying on their own, these gingerbread men are a fun baking project for families and an excellent addition to any holiday celebration.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room-temperature butter and dark brown sugar until fluffy and smooth.
3. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
4. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two halves, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut out gingerbread men shapes with a cookie cutter.
8. Place the gingerbread men cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the cookies are slightly golden.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

1. Decorating Ideas: After baking, decorate the cookies with royal icing, colored sugars, or candy to create a festive look.
2. Spiced Up Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice for a deeper spice flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
4. Crispier Cookies: Roll the dough thinner (about 1/8 inch) and bake for an additional minute or two for a crispier texture.
5. Vegan Version: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter substitute and the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm and chewy again.

10 FAQs

1. Do I need to chill the dough? Yes, chilling the dough is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and to help them hold their shape.
2. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar? Light brown sugar will work, but dark brown sugar provides a richer flavor due to its higher molasses content.
3. Can I use a rolling pin without flour? If you prefer, you can roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent it from sticking instead of using flour.
4. How do I get the cookies to hold their shape when baking? Ensure your dough is well-chilled, and be mindful not to over-roll the dough too thin, which can cause the cookies to spread more during baking.
5. Can I make these gingerbread cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
6. Can I make the dough without an electric mixer? Yes, you can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon, though it may take a bit longer to achieve a smooth consistency.
7. How can I make my cookies softer? To keep the cookies soft, avoid overbaking them, and ensure they cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, once baked and cooled, you can freeze the gingerbread men in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
9. How do I decorate these cookies? You can use royal icing, colored sugar, sprinkles, or candy decorations to make your gingerbread men more festive.
10. Can I add raisins or other dried fruit to the dough? Yes, adding dried cranberries or raisins to the dough would provide a sweet and chewy contrast to the spices.

Conclusion

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season with their warm, spiced flavor and fun, decorative appeal. Whether you’re baking with kids or looking to share a batch with friends, these cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition. Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or as part of your holiday cookie exchange!

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