Soft Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Soft Gingerbread Man Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season or any cozy day. These spiced cookies are soft, flavorful, and fun to decorate or enjoy plain.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Step 5: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Step 7: Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 8: Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set but the cookies remain soft.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the spice mix.
- Use blackstrap molasses for a richer, deeper taste.
- Decorate with royal icing or simple sugar glaze once the cookies have cooled.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and maintain shape.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or microwave if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use honey instead of molasses?
Honey changes the flavor and texture, making cookies sweeter and less traditional. Molasses provides the classic gingerbread taste, so it’s best to stick with molasses for authentic flavor.
How can I keep the gingerbread men soft?
Baking them for just 8–10 minutes and storing in an airtight container with a slice of bread will help maintain softness. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
PrintSoft Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe
These Soft Gingerbread Man Cookies are a delightful holiday treat featuring a perfect balance of warm spices and molasses sweetness. Soft and chewy, these classic cookies are shaped into charming gingerbread men, making them fun to bake and perfect for festive occasions or cozy winter days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until well combined to ensure even spice distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Molasses: Beat in the egg and molasses into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling solidifies the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut shapes.
- Roll and Cut Shapes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut shapes, then place them 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just starting to brown. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.
- Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to prevent them from becoming hard; the goal is a soft texture.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain softness.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing once cooled for an extra festive touch.
Keywords: soft gingerbread cookies, gingerbread men, holiday cookies, molasses cookies, spiced cookies
