These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. With their warm spices and soft texture, they capture all the classic flavors of gingerbread in a fun, festive shape. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party or enjoying a cozy treat at home, these gingerbread men will bring the holiday spirit to your kitchen.

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

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla until well combined.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, shape it into discs, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the cookies are slightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Decorating: Once baked and cooled, these cookies can be decorated with icing, sprinkles, or candies for added festive flair.
Flavor Enhancements: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice for an extra burst of holiday flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Cutout Shapes: If you prefer, you can make different holiday shapes instead of gingerbread men, such as stars or trees.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze the dough for up to 3 months before baking. Roll it out, cut out the shapes, and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: To enjoy warm gingerbread cookies, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

Why do I need to refrigerate the dough? Refrigerating the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. It also allows the flavors to develop.
Can I use light molasses instead of dark molasses? Yes, light molasses can be used, but dark molasses gives a richer flavor. It’s a matter of preference.
Do I need to decorate the cookies? Decorating is optional! You can enjoy the cookies plain or add icing, candies, or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great option if you want to prep in advance.
Can I freeze the baked cookies? Yes, baked cookies freeze well. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
How do I make the cookies crispier? To make the cookies crispier, roll the dough thinner and bake them a minute or two longer, keeping a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Can I use a stand mixer instead of an electric hand mixer? Yes, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works great for mixing the dough.
What can I use if I don’t have cookie cutters? If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can use a sharp knife to cut out shapes or simply roll the dough into balls and flatten them into circles.
How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies are done when the edges are firm and golden, and the center is slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I add icing or frosting to the cookies? Yes, you can decorate the cookies with royal icing, glaze, or buttercream to create intricate designs or simple patterns.

Conclusion

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a perfect blend of spice and sweetness, making them a holiday favorite. With their rich molasses flavor and chewy texture, they are the ideal treat to share with friends and family or to leave out for Santa. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just indulging in some holiday cheer, these cookies are sure to be a hit.