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Perfect Holiday Cookies

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

These gingerbread men are soft and chewy instead of crisp, with warm spices and rich molasses. Top them with simple royal icing and sprinkles for the perfect holiday cookie.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:06:22 GMT
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A decorated gingerbread cookie in the shape of a gingerbread man, featuring a smiling face and colorful icing embellishments. Pin it
A decorated gingerbread cookie in the shape of a gingerbread man, featuring a smiling face and colorful icing embellishments. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite holiday cookie recipe - these irresistibly Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men! I love how they fill the kitchen with the most amazing spicy-sweet aroma while baking. The combination of warm ginger, molasses and holiday spices creates that classic gingerbread flavor we all crave this time of year.

The Perfect Holiday Treat

These cookies hold such special memories for me. I look forward to decorating them every year whether I'm giving them Santa suits or silly sweater designs. They stay perfectly soft and chewy and the spices are just right. Nothing says "holidays" quite like a plate of these gingerbread friends.

What You'll Need

  • The Basics:
    • All-purpose flour for the perfect texture
    • Room temperature butter makes mixing easy
    • Light brown sugar for sweetness
    • One fresh egg
  • The Magic Spices:
    • Ground ginger of course
    • Warm cinnamon
    • Fragrant cloves and nutmeg
    • Rich molasses ties it all together
  • For Decorating:
    • Royal icing made with powdered sugar
    • Fun holiday sprinkles
    • Your creativity!
A close-up of decorated gingerbread cookies shaped like gingerbread men, featuring white icing details and red and green embellishments. Pin it
A close-up of decorated gingerbread cookies shaped like gingerbread men, featuring white icing details and red and green embellishments. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let's Make Some Magic

Start Your Dough:
Cream that butter and sugar then mix in molasses egg and your spiced dry ingredients. Let it chill until firm.
Shape Your Friends:
Roll the dough out nice and even cut out your gingerbread people.
Bake with Love:
Into a 350°F oven they go just 8-10 minutes keeps them perfectly soft.
Get Creative:
Once they're cool decorate with icing and sprinkles let your imagination run wild.

My Best Tips

Don't skip chilling the dough it makes rolling so much easier. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. A #3 piping tip gives you perfect control for decorating. And watch them carefully in the oven - soft cookies are the goal here!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, wrap well and chill overnight. Let rest 10 minutes before rolling.

→ Why do my cookies spread when baking?

Dough must be well chilled. If too soft, work in a bit more flour when rolling.

→ How thick should I roll the dough?

Roll to 1/4 inch thickness for perfect chewy cookies that hold their shape.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store in airtight container up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted cookies up to 3 months.

→ Can I skip the meringue powder in icing?

Meringue powder helps icing set firm. For simple decorating, you can use plain powdered sugar glaze.

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Perfectly spiced soft gingerbread men with an easy royal icing decoration. These cookies stay soft and chewy thanks to molasses and brown sugar.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 25 Servings (25)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling.
02 1 1/2 tbsp ground ginger.
03 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
04 1/4 tsp ground cloves.
05 1/4 tsp nutmeg.
06 1 tsp baking soda.
07 1/2 tsp salt.
08 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened.
09 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed.
10 1/2 cup molasses.
11 1 large egg, room temperature.
12 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar.
13 4 tbsp warm water.
14 2 tbsp meringue powder.
15 1/2 tsp cream of tartar.
16 Sprinkles as desired.

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk flour, spices, baking soda, salt in medium bowl.

Step 02

Beat butter, brown sugar, molasses until fluffy (2 mins). Add egg.

Step 03

Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 04

Divide dough, wrap, chill 1 hour or overnight.

Step 05

Heat oven to 350°F. Let dough rest 10 minutes.

Step 06

Roll to 1/4" on floured surface. Cut with 4" cutter.

Step 07

Bake on lined sheets 9-10 minutes.

Step 08

Cool 5 minutes on sheets, then on rack.

Step 09

Beat all icing ingredients 1-3 minutes until glossy.

Step 10

Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles.

Notes

  1. Dough can be made ahead and chilled overnight.
  2. Work in extra flour if dough too soft when rolling.
  3. Keep icing covered until ready to use.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer.
  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Rolling pin.
  • Cookie cutter.
  • Cooling rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 211
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 2 g