introduction
Classic Gingerbread Men are a timeless holiday cookie — spiced, slightly chewy, and endlessly charming when decorated with royal icing. This recipe yields sturdy little cookies that hold their shape well for cutting and decorating, making them perfect for baking with kids, party platters, or gift tins. For a softer take on the texture, see soft, chewy gingerbread men cookies.
why make this recipe
This version balances warm spices and molasses for that unmistakable gingerbread flavor while remaining easy to prepare with pantry staples. The dough chills and rolls easily, producing crisp edges and a tender interior — ideal for decorating. Whether you’re making a holiday tradition or testing new icing designs, these cookies are reliable, customizable, and crowd-pleasing.
how to make Classic Gingerbread Men
Ingredients :
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- Royal icing for decoration
Directions :
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and molasses.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until combined.
- Divide the dough, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out gingerbread men shapes and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set and edges are firm.
- Cool cookies completely before decorating with royal icing.
how to serve Classic Gingerbread Men
Serve these gingerbread men at room temperature once the icing has fully set. Arrange on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look, or pair with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a strong coffee. They’re ideal for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or decorating stations where guests can personalize their own cookies.
how to store Classic Gingerbread Men
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place sheets of parchment between layers to protect decorations.
- Refrigeration: If decorated with perishable icing or fillings, refrigerate and consume within 7 days; allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then stack with parchment between layers in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw fully before decorating.
tips to make Classic Gingerbread Men
- Chill thoroughly: Cold dough is easier to roll and cut clean shapes that won’t spread.
- Roll evenly: Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness so cookies bake uniformly.
- Use light pressure when cutting: Press cookie cutters straight down and lift without twisting to keep edges crisp.
- Bake to set, not brown: Gingerbread should be slightly firm at the edges; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Royal icing consistency: Use thicker icing for outlines and finer details; thin slightly with water for flooding large areas.
- Room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and an egg at room temp mix more smoothly for an even dough.
variation (if any)
- Soft & Chewy: Increase molasses by 1–2 tablespoons and slightly shorten bake time; chill dough less to retain more moisture.
- Spiced Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend lacks stabilizers.
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a flax “egg” (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg; texture will differ slightly.
FAQ
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes — prepare the dough, wrap tightly, and chill up to 48 hours. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling.
Q: Why did my cookies spread?
A: Causes include dough that’s too warm, over-creaming butter, or using too much baking soda. Chill the dough and ensure the oven is at the correct temperature.
Q: How do I get smooth royal icing?
A: Sift your powdered sugar before mixing and add water slowly until you reach the desired consistency; beat well to remove air bubbles.
Conclusion
For inspiration on shapes, decorating ideas, and an alternate take on gingerbread men, check out this detailed guide: Gingerbread Men Cookies – Sugar Spun Run.
Classic Gingerbread Men
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and molasses.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until combined.
- Divide the dough, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out gingerbread men shapes and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set and edges are firm.
- Cool cookies completely before decorating with royal icing.
