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To make soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies, you will need the following essential ingredients: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon ground ginger - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract These ingredients work together to create the perfect texture and flavor. The flour gives structure, while the butter adds richness. Molasses brings that deep, warm sweetness we love in gingerbread. When you want to make your cookies stand out, consider these optional ingredients for decoration: - Royal icing - Assorted sprinkles Royal icing is great for detailing and creating fun designs. Sprinkles add a festive touch, making your cookies even more fun. If you need to convert measurements, here are some helpful tips: - 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces - 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons - 1/2 cup = 4 fluid ounces These conversions can help you adjust your ingredients easily. Always remember to measure accurately for the best results. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure this mixture is lump-free and well combined. This step is key for even flavor and texture. In a large mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed. Cream it until it becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This process adds air and helps make the cookies soft. Next, beat in 1 large egg along with 1/2 cup of unsulfured molasses and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Keep mixing on low speed until everything is well blended. This step adds moisture and sweetness, which is crucial for that chewy texture. Gradually add the dry mixture from the first step into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix; this keeps your cookies soft. You want to see a few flour streaks but nothing too dry. Once combined, divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll out into shapes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) when you're ready to bake. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men. Transfer these to the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be firm, while the centers stay soft. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with royal icing and assorted sprinkles. Let your creativity shine with fun designs! To get that soft and chewy texture, follow these steps: - Use room temperature butter. This helps mix better with sugars. - Do not overmix the dough. Mix until just combined. - Chill the dough. This firms it up for easier rolling and keeps cookies soft. - Bake for the right time. Remove cookies when edges are set but centers are soft. If you follow these tips, your cookies will be soft and delightful! Baking can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common issues and solutions: - Cookies spread too much: Ensure butter is softened, not melted. Chill the dough longer. - Cookies too hard: Bake for less time. Check them a minute or two sooner. - Cookies taste bland: Use fresh spices. Try adding a pinch of salt for flavor. These tips help you fix problems and bake better cookies! Decorating is a fun part! Here are my favorite tips: - Use royal icing for a smooth finish. It dries hard and holds shapes well. - Get creative with sprinkles. Use colorful ones for a festive look. - Use a piping bag for details. It helps you control the icing better. - Let the icing dry completely before stacking cookies. This prevents smudging. With these tips, your gingerbread men will look as good as they taste! Pro Tips Chill for Better Texture: Always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. This helps to firm up the butter, resulting in softer, chewier cookies. Use Quality Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices. They tend to be more aromatic and flavorful compared to pre-ground alternatives. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be slightly soft in the center when taken out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling. Creative Decor: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your royal icing designs and sprinkles. Personalizing each gingerbread man can be a fun activity, especially with kids! {{image_4}} If you need gluten-free gingerbread cookies, you can swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of wheat flour. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Chill the dough as usual, then roll and cut your shapes. Your cookies will still be soft and chewy! To make these cookies vegan, replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. You can also ensure the molasses is vegan-friendly. With these changes, follow the recipe as usual. You will get tasty cookies that everyone can enjoy. You can play with the flavor of your gingerbread men! Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth or some allspice for a kick. You can also try using different extracts. Almond extract gives a nice twist, while orange zest adds brightness. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. Each variation brings a unique taste to your cookies! Store your soft and chewy gingerbread cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for longer. Line the bottom of the container with parchment paper. Place the cookies in a single layer to avoid sticking. Add another layer of parchment if stacking cookies. Keep the container at room temperature. This way, the cookies stay soft and tasty. Freezing is a smart way to keep your cookies for a long time. First, let the cookies cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, move the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Frozen cookies keep well for up to three months. To maintain freshness, avoid exposing cookies to air. If you have cookies with icing, use wax paper between layers. This prevents the icing from sticking. For extra flavor, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread keeps cookies soft while they absorb moisture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Store them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier taste. You might also try almond flour for a gluten-free option. Just remember that using different flours may change the texture and spread of the cookies. If you use a gluten-free flour blend, check if it contains xanthan gum for better binding. These cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. They can keep well in the freezer for up to three months. If you don't have royal icing, try using simple powdered sugar icing. Just mix powdered sugar with a little milk or water until smooth. You can also use melted chocolate or store-bought icing for decorating. These options are easy and fun! Yes, chilling the dough is important. It firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out. Chilling also helps the cookies keep their shape during baking. Aim to chill the dough for at least one hour, or overnight for best results. To make sturdier cookies, add a bit more flour to the dough. This helps the cookies hold their shape. You can also bake them a minute longer to create a firmer texture. Just be careful not to overbake, as this can make them dry. In this article, we covered how to make soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies. We explored essential ingredients and added options for decoration. You learned step-by-step instructions to mix, bake, and chill the dough. We shared tips for texture and expert decorating advice. Variations for gluten-free and vegan options expanded your choices. Finally, we discussed storage methods to keep cookies fresh. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with loved ones!

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Deliciously soft and chewy gingerbread cookies, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 2 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 serving Royal icing (for decorating, optional)
  • 1 serving Assorted sprinkles (for decorating, optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter together with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat this mixture on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  • Beat in the large egg, followed by the unsulfured molasses and pure vanilla extract. Continue to mix on low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients from step 1 into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
  • Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.
  • When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • On a lightly floured surface, take one portion of the chilled dough and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread man shapes, transferring each cutout to the lined baking sheets.
  • Ensure there is enough space between each cookie on the baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are slightly soft.
  • Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once the cookies are completely cool, use royal icing and assorted sprinkles to decorate your gingerbread men as desired. Get creative with the designs!

Notes

Arrange the decorated gingerbread men on a festive platter. You could also tie some of them with colorful ribbons for an added holiday touch!
Keyword cookies, gingerbread, holiday