Description

These soft and chewy gingerbread men cookies are a festive holiday favorite, full of warm spices and rich molasses flavor. Perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones during the season.

Ingredients

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup molasses

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

Cream the butter and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut out shapes using gingerbread men cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or other festive toppings as desired.

Notes

Do not overbake to maintain the soft and chewy texture.

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes it easier to cut shapes.

Decorate only after cookies have completely cooled.

The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Use regular unsulfured molasses, not blackstrap, for best flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 165
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg