Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men

why make this recipe

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holidays and special occasions. They are not only fun to make, but they also fill your kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma. These cookies are wonderful for decorating with icing and sprinkles, making them a favorite for both kids and adults. Plus, sharing them with family and friends creates sweet memories that will last a lifetime.

how to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Ingredients:

• 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

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside.
2. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses and the egg to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. Stir it until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two balls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll out one ball of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
8. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm.
9. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
10. For the royal icing, mix powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar in a bowl until smooth. You may need to adjust the water for your desired consistency.
11. Decorate your gingerbread men with royal icing and add sprinkles for a festive touch.

how to serve Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are great for serving at holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a cozy treat at home. They can be enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or milk. For an extra festive touch, place them on a decorative plate or in a cookie jar for sharing with guests.

how to store Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

To keep your gingerbread men cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay nice for about a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie well in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

tips to make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

• Make sure your butter is soft enough to blend easily but not melted.
• Chill the dough to prevent it from spreading while baking.
• Use plenty of flour when rolling out the dough to avoid sticking.
• Experiment with different icing designs and colors to personalize your cookies!

variation

If you want to change it up, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for a different flavor. You can also use other shapes for cookie cutters if you’re feeling creative!

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Q: How do I make my royal icing harden faster?
A: Use a little less water in your royal icing mixture. The less water, the quicker it will dry.

Q: Can I decorate the cookies the day before?
A: Yes, you can decorate the cookies a day ahead of time. Just make sure they are completely dry before stacking or storing them.

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