Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Baking cookies is one of the coziest activities you can do, especially during the holiday season. The aroma of spices filling the kitchen brings a warm feeling. Soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies are a delightful treat that many enjoy. With their rich flavor of ginger and warm spices, these cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Let’s dive into why you should make this recipe and how you can create these delicious cookies at home!
Why Make This Recipe
Making soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies is a great way to bring the festive spirit into your home. These cookies are not only delicious but also fun to decorate. You can unleash your creativity by using different shapes and colors. The spices used in this recipe provide warmth and a comforting taste that is loved by many.
These cookies are also a wonderful way to bond with family and friends. You can gather everyone in the kitchen and let them help with mixing, rolling, and decorating. The memories created during this time will last a lifetime. Whether you are making them for a holiday celebration, a cookie swap, or just for fun, you will find that everyone loves them.
Additionally, the ingredients are simple and easy to find. You might already have most of them in your pantry. This recipe is perfect for beginners too. With just a few steps, you can create beautifully soft and chewy cookies that will impress anyone who tries them.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Now that you know why making these cookies is a great idea, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Below, you will find all the ingredients you need as well as the step-by-step directions to make your gingerbread men cookies.
Ingredients
To make soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies, you will need the following items:
- 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 (about 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
Directions
For the Cookies
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using a mixer.
Add Molasses and Egg: Beat in the molasses and the large egg. Mix until everything is 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 chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, sprinkle flour on your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use flour to prevent sticking if necessary.
Cut Out Shapes: Use gingerbread men cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Gently transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies should be firm but still soft in the center.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
For the Royal Icing
Mix Icing Ingredients: In a clean bowl, combine the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
Beat Until Stiff Peaks: Use a mixer to beat until the icing forms stiff peaks. This usually takes about 5 minutes. You want a consistency that can hold its shape.
Add Color: If you want to color the icing, divide it into bowls and add food coloring as desired.
Decorate Cookies: Use piping bags or a small spatula to decorate your cooled gingerbread men. Don’t forget to add sprinkles for a festive touch!
How to Serve Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Serving your soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies can be just as fun as making them. You can present them on a large platter during holiday parties. If you are gifting these cookies, place them in decorative tins or bags tied with ribbons. This makes for a warm, personal touch that friends and family will love.
You can also pair these cookies with warm beverages. Enjoy them with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. The combination of flavors will elevate your experience. If you are looking for an extra special treat, consider adding whipped cream or ice cream on the side.
How to Store Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Storing your gingerbread men cookies properly is important to keep them fresh. Once cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container. You can separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
If stored correctly, they can last up to two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will remain fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. This helps the batter mix better.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. If you love ginger, add a bit more or reduce it if you find it too strong.
Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of spices and molasses can greatly affect the flavor. Try to use fresh, high-quality spices for the best taste.
Decorating Fun: Get everyone involved in decorating! Kids especially love the process. Add different colors and types of sprinkles for a fun look.
Variation
If you want to shake things up a bit, you can customize your gingerbread men in various ways. Try these ideas:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Experiment with Flavors: Instead of molasses, you could try using honey as a sweeter alternative.
- Create Different Shapes: Use other cookie cutters to create festive shapes such as stars or Christmas trees.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days before rolling it out and baking.
What if I don’t have meringue powder for the icing?
If you don’t have meringue powder, you can replace it with egg whites. One egg white can substitute for 2 tablespoons of meringue powder.
Can I decorate the cookies in advance?
Yes, you can decorate the cookies in advance. Once decorated, store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent the icing from getting stale or wet.
How can I make the cookies softer?
To achieve a softer texture, make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven while they are still slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Making soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies is a delightful way to spread joy and sweetness. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create beautiful cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy the baking fun and the yummy results!
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine and set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes using a mixer.
- Beat in the molasses and the large egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until a dough starts to form.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- After chilling, sprinkle flour on your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use gingerbread men cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, until firm but still soft in the center.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a clean bowl, combine the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
- Beat until the icing forms stiff peaks, about 5 minutes.
- If desired, divide icing into bowls and color with food coloring.
- Use piping bags or a small spatula to decorate your cooled gingerbread men.