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Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are a delightful holiday treat perfectly spiced with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and warm spices, sweetened with brown sugar. These charming cookies bring festive cheer with their soft texture and delightful flavor, ideal for Christmas celebrations or any time you crave a spiced, comforting cookie.

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 water, room temperature
  • Pinch of salt
  • Gel or liquid food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Brown Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together salted butter and brown sugar for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and smooth, forming the base for your dough.
  2. Add Molasses and Egg: Spray your measuring cup with cooking spray to measure out molasses easily, then add molasses and large egg to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix again to combine thoroughly, scraping down the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and the blend of spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice) to the wet mixture. Mix until fully combined into a consistent dough.
  4. Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a disc. Wrap tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up the dough before rolling.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  6. Roll Out and Cut Shapes: Roll the chilled cookie dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use plenty of flour to prevent sticking. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters, then carefully transfer to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow slight puffing.
  7. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but the centers remain soft, avoiding overbaking to keep the cookies chewy. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Prepare Royal Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, corn syrup, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more water or powdered sugar until icing is thick but drizzles and smooths within 1-3 seconds.
  9. Color and Decorate: If desired, divide icing into small bowls and add gel or liquid food coloring. Transfer icing into piping bags fitted with decorating tips to pipe eyes, mouths, buttons, or other fun decorations on cooled cookies.
  10. Set Icing and Store: Allow decorated cookies to sit at room temperature for 3-4 hours for the royal icing to harden completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days, preserving freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Measure flour carefully using the spoon and sweep method to avoid dry, crumbly dough. Spoon flour into the measuring cup, then level it off with the flat edge of a knife or tool for accuracy.
  • Spraying your measuring cup lightly helps molasses pour out easily without sticking, which ensures precise measurement.
  • Do not overbake the cookies; removal at the right time ensures they remain soft and chewy.
  • Chilling the dough is essential for easier rolling and clean cookie cutter shapes.
  • Adjust royal icing consistency carefully when preparing to achieve optimal decorating texture.

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