Gingerbread Man Cookies That Fill Your Home with Holiday Cheer
These Gingerbread Man Cookies are a nostalgic holiday treat, perfect for creating memories and festive cheer.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- parchment paper
- cookie cutters
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour The base of your cookies, providing the perfect texture.
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger Adds that classic ginger flavor that makes these cookies special.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Brings warmth and sweetness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps your cookies rise for that ideal chewy texture.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg Offers a hint of warmth that pairs beautifully with the ginger.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Provides richness and moisture; make sure it's at room temperature!
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed Imparts a lovely caramel flavor and helps keep the cookies soft.
- 0.75 cup molasses Gives the cookies their distinctive color and rich flavor; it’s essential for gingerbread.
- 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together for a lovely chewy cookie.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds a warm sweetness that complements the spices.
For Decorating (Optional)
- Icing Use a simple royal icing for outlining.
- Assorted candies Get creative with colorful sprinkles or candy eyes for fun designs!
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix on low speed until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Divide the dough into two halves, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 10 minutes before baking.
- On a floured surface, roll out one-half of the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing and assorted candies as desired.
Notes
Chill the dough for at least 2 hours to maintain shape and achieve the best texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg
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