Gingerbread Men Cookies
Spiced molasses gingerbread men with crisp edges and chewy centers—classic early-Christmas USA baking for cookie tins and tree ornaments (edible). Bake until set; cool before decorating with royal icing.
🛒Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing and candies for decorating
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread cutters
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
📝Instructions
- 1
Whisk flour, brown sugar, spices, baking soda, and salt. Cut in butter until sandy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla; mix into a stiff dough.
- 2
Divide, wrap, and chill 2 hours until firm.
- 3
Heat oven to 350°F. Roll dough 1/4-inch thick. Cut gingerbread men; place on parchment-lined sheets.
- 4
Bake 9–12 minutes until edges are firm and centers look set (thicker cookies need the longer end). Cool completely before icing.
- 5
Store airtight up to 2 weeks. Keep decorated cookies cool; refrigerate if icing contains egg white and room is warm over 2 hours.
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 130
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Too soft to roll?
Chill longer or dust with flour; dough should feel firm, not sticky.
Ornament cookies?
Cut a hole before baking for ribbon; bake until fully crisp.
Make dough ahead?
Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge.
Food safety?
Do not taste raw dough with raw egg; bake until set; store cool and dry.
