Irresistibly Soft Gingerbread Man Cookies to Delight Everyone

These Gingerbread Man Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baking, Christmas Cookies, dessert recipes, Festive Treats, Gingerbread Man Cookies, holiday cookies

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 10

Chill Time: 2

Total Time: 2 30

Servings: cookies

Calories: 150kcal

3 cups all-purpose flour This forms the base, providing the perfect structure for your cookies.
1 tablespoon ground ginger Adds a warm, spicy kick that’s essential for gingerbread cookies.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Infuses the dough with comforting sweetness and aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the cookies rise and ensures a soft, chewy texture.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg A pinch of nutmeg elevates the flavor, making it even more festive.
½ teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened Creates a luscious base and rich flavor; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
¾ cup brown sugar Adds moisture and a lovely caramel undertone to your cookies.
½ cup molasses Gives that classic gingerbread taste and deep color.
1 large egg Binds the ingredients together.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor and brings a lovely aroma.

decorating icing Use your favorite icing recipe for colorful designs.
assorted candies Gumdrops, sprinkles, or chocolate chips make for delightful accents.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.
Roll out one half of the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into gingerbread man shapes.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until edges are firm.
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack after removing from the oven.
Decorate with icing and candies as desired.

Chilling the dough is crucial for the best texture. Experiment with various candies and icing colors for fun decorations.