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Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are classic festive treats perfectly spiced with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and other warm spices. Sweetened with light brown sugar, these cookies have a tender, chewy texture and are decorated with royal icing for a delightful holiday experience. Ideal for Christmas celebrations, they bring warmth and cheer to any occasion.

Ingredients

Gingerbread Cookies

  • 1 cup (227g) salted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (340g) molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 5 cups (705g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

Royal Icing

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
  • 2–3 Tablespoons room temperature water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Gel or liquid food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the salted butter and light brown sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which helps achieve a tender cookie texture.
  2. Add Molasses and Egg: Incorporate the molasses (spray your measuring cup with cooking spray to measure easily) and the egg, mixing again to combine thoroughly. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients and Spices: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix until the dough is completely combined and a soft dough forms.
  4. Chill Dough: Transfer the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap, shaping it into a disc. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  6. Roll and Cut Dough: Roll the chilled dough onto a floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use plenty of flour to prevent sticking. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters, such as gingerbread men.
  7. Arrange Cookies for Baking: Carefully place the cut cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each as they will puff slightly but not spread much.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes until they just start to look set but are not browned or overbaked, preserving their soft, chewy texture.
  9. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Prepare Royal Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, corn syrup, pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more water (1/2 tablespoon at a time) if too thick or more powdered sugar if too runny.
  11. Add Coloring and Decorate: If desired, divide icing into separate bowls, add gel or liquid food coloring, and transfer to piping bags. Pipe eyes, mouths, buttons, and other decorations on the cooled cookies.
  12. Harden Icing and Store: Let decorated cookies sit at room temperature for 3-4 hours to allow icing to harden. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Notes

  • Measure flour carefully using the spoon & sweep method to avoid dry, crumbly dough: spoon flour into measuring cup and level off with a flat edge.
  • Spray measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring molasses to make pouring easier.
  • Do not overbake cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
  • Use plenty of flour when rolling dough to prevent sticking; flour will be absorbed into the dough.
  • Royal icing consistency should be thick but still able to drizzle and melt into itself within 1-3 seconds.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/soft-and-chewy-gingerbread-men-cookies-recipe-2/