Looking for a delicious and festive treat to bake this holiday season? Look no further than these Gingerbread Man Cookies! With warm spices and sweet molasses, these cookies are not only easy to make but perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors that bring the taste of the holidays to your kitchen.
- Quick and simple prep time, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
- Perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to cozy nights in by the fire.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Gingerbread Man Cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Unsalted butter
- Dark brown sugar
- Molasses
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or water
- Vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, spices, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar, then mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mix until dough forms.
- Chill dough, then roll out and cut into gingerbread man shapes.
- Bake and cool before decorating with icing.
Helpful Tips:
- Chill dough for at least one hour for easier rolling.
- Use a piping bag for precise icing designs.
- Substitute honey for molasses if needed.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use room temperature butter for a smoother dough.
- For a spicier cookie, increase the amount of ginger and cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Gingerbread Man Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat. They also make a great addition to any holiday dessert platter.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To reheat, place in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months.
- How long does the icing take to set? Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is recommended for flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute.
- How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Chilling the dough before baking helps to prevent spreading.
Conclusion:
These Gingerbread Man Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your household. Bake up a batch, get creative with the decorations, and enjoy the sweet taste of the season! Share your creations with us and spread some holiday cheer.
Print
Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious gingerbread man cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and decorated with a sweet icing.
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Man Cookies:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ⅔ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and baking soda. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Chill and Shape: Chill the dough, then roll it out and cut with gingerbread man cookie cutters. Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at a specified temperature for a certain amount of time until golden brown.
- Decorate: Mix powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla to make icing. Decorate cooled cookies with icing.
Notes
- You can add more spices like cardamom or allspice for extra flavor.
- For a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg