This gingerbread men cookie recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates baked goods that are not only delicious but also simple and family-friendly. The combination of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates an aromatic profile that echoes the cozy season of autumn. Plus, these cookies are soft, chewy, and come with the added bonus of being a fun activity for kids who can help with cutting out shapes and decorating.
Equipment
- Necessary Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- - Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling Pin
- - Gingerbread men cookie cutters
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- - 3 cups all-purpose flour
- - 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- - 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 12 tablespoons 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- - 3/4 cup molasses
- - 2 tablespoons milk
- - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - Royal icing for decoration optional
- - Colored candies for decoration optional
Instructions
- Begin by whisking together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Cream the softened butter using a mixer until it's smooth and creamy. Add the molasses, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating just until the dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape them into disks, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight for better flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a quarter-inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create gingerbread men, placing them on the baking sheets about an inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are firm. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate with royal icing and candies if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Ingredient Swaps and Additions:
Feel free to customize your gingerbread men! For a slightly different flavor, you can swap dark molasses with light molasses or honey. For an added twist, consider mixing in lemon zest or using a mix of allspice and nutmeg for extra complexity. Add a pinch of cayenne for a surprising warm kick.
Feel free to customize your gingerbread men! For a slightly different flavor, you can swap dark molasses with light molasses or honey. For an added twist, consider mixing in lemon zest or using a mix of allspice and nutmeg for extra complexity. Add a pinch of cayenne for a surprising warm kick.