Soft Gingerbread Men Cookies

Soft gingerbread men cookies always make me think of cozy winter days. They’re sweet, spiced, and smell amazing while baking. Just one bite feels like the holidays have arrived.

They’re soft in the center with just the right amount of chew. The warm ginger, cinnamon, and molasses make them so comforting. And the best part? You can decorate them any way you like.

I love making a batch with family and adding fun icing faces. They disappear so fast from the plate. Trust me, you’ll want to bake them again and again.

So, let’s grab our spices and start mixing. These gingerbread men are about to become your new holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Soft Texture: Unlike crunchy gingerbread cookies, these are soft and chewy.
• Perfectly Spiced: A warming blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Fun to Decorate: Use icing, sprinkles, and candies for creative designs.
• Great for Gifting: Pack in holiday tins for a delightful homemade present.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (gingerbread men or other festive shapes)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 3/4 cups (488g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies.
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder – Gives an extra lift for a soft texture.
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger – Adds classic warmth and spice.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Enhances the cozy holiday flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – Deepens the spiced aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – A touch of nutmeg adds extra depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature – Makes the cookies rich and tender.
• 10 tablespoons (140g) packed dark brown sugar – Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds a hint of warmth and sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (172g) unsulfured molasses – The key ingredient for traditional gingerbread flavor.

Easy Cookie Icing:

• 1 1/2 cups (173g) powdered sugar – The base for a smooth icing.
• 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons water or milk – Adjust for desired consistency.
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup – Helps icing set with a glossy finish.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – For extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Add the molasses and beat until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor).

2. Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out one dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use gingerbread men cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.

3. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Icing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, water (or milk), corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. If the icing is too thick, add more liquid, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a piping consistency.

5. Decorate the Cookies

1. Transfer icing to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off.
2. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, or candies as desired.
3. Allow icing to set for at least 30 minutes before stacking or storing.

Variations for Gingerbread Cookies

• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
• Spiced Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
• Maple Icing: Swap vanilla extract in the icing for maple extract for extra warmth.
• Thicker or Thinner Cookies: Adjust the rolling thickness for softer or crispier cookies.

How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are a delightful treat on their own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

• With Hot Cocoa: Serve alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience.
• As a Holiday Gift: Package in decorative tins or bags for homemade holiday gifts.
• With Ice Cream: Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
• In Cookie Sandwiches: Spread frosting or Nutella between two cookies.
• On a Dessert Platter: Pair with sugar cookies and shortbread for a festive holiday spread.

Storing Gingerbread Cookies

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• In the Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
• In the Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months; thaw before decorating.
• Dough Storage: Store wrapped dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information (per cookie, approx. 1 medium-sized)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Total Fat	4g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	85mg
Total Carbohydrate	20g
Dietary Fiber	0.5g
Sugars	12g
Protein	1.5g
Calcium	10mg
Iron	0.6mg

Conclusion
Soft gingerbread men cookies are the heart of holiday baking. With their warm spices, tender texture, and sweet, festive flavor, they bring a cozy charm to any cookie tray. Whether you decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain, they’re the kind of treat that makes every bite feel like a holiday memory in the making.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookies in advance and store them for up to a week.

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is well chilled before rolling and baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles well for large batches.

Enjoy baking these delightful Soft Gingerbread Men Cookies and have fun decorating them for the holidays!