Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. They are perfect for festive occasions or cozy evenings at home. The combination of spices creates a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen, while the soft texture makes them delightful to eat. Plus, decorating them can be a fun activity for all ages!

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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:

For the cookies:

1. In a bowl, mix together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy.
3. Add molasses and the egg to the butter mixture, then mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll out the 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 until they are firm to the touch.
9. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

For the royal icing:

1. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
2. Beat until the icing forms stiff peaks.
3. Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles as desired.

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Serve these delicious cookies on a festive platter at holiday parties, family gatherings, or just as a sweet treat for yourself. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a glass of milk or hot cocoa!

How to Store Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing.

Tips to Make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

• Don’t skip chilling the dough; this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• For a stronger flavor, let the dough chill overnight.
• You can use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes and designs, not just gingerbread men!

Variation

You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for different flavors. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different spices if you want a unique twist!

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes! Dark brown sugar will give your cookies a richer flavor.

Is it okay to skip the royal icing?
Absolutely! You can enjoy the cookies plain or add simple glaze or frosting instead.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use flax eggs instead of the regular egg for a vegan version.

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