Gingerbread Man Cookies

why make this recipe

Gingerbread Man Cookies are a timeless holiday classic — crisp at the edges, warmly spiced, and endlessly fun to shape and decorate. They make great homemade gifts, kid-friendly baking projects, and a charming addition to seasonal cookie plates. If you want another take on festive shapes and dough handling, check this Christmas gingerbread cookies recipe for inspiration.

introduction

This Gingerbread Man Cookies recipe yields tender, well-spiced cookies that hold their shape for detailed decorating. The dough rests in the fridge to make rolling and cutting easy, and the combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives a classic, cozy flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party or a family tradition, these cookies are straightforward and rewarding.

how to make Gingerbread Man Cookies

Follow the simple steps below for a reliable dough that rolls smooth and bakes evenly. Chill time and a lightly floured surface are key to neat shapes and crack-free cookies.

Ingredients :

3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed, 1/2 cup molasses, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions :

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in molasses, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Cut out gingerbread men shapes with cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes until firm.
10. Allow to cool before decorating as desired.

how to serve Gingerbread Man Cookies

Serve these cookies plain with a cup of hot cocoa or decorate them with royal icing, chocolate, or candy eyes for festive presentation. They’re perfect arranged on a holiday platter, stacked in a cookie tin, or tied in cellophane as edible favors.

how to store Gingerbread Man Cookies

Keep decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If undecorated, they stay fresh up to a week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; thaw before decorating.

tips to make Gingerbread Man Cookies

• Chill the dough thoroughly (at least 1 hour) to prevent spreading and to make rolling easier.
• Roll between two sheets of parchment for even thickness and minimal sticking.
• Use a light hand when flouring the surface to avoid dry, tough cookies.
• If you want perfectly uniform cookies, use a ruler to check 1/4-inch thickness before cutting.
• Decorate after cookies have fully cooled to prevent icing from melting.

variation (if any)

• Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture.
• Cut different shapes — stars, trees, or reindeer — to mix up presentation for holiday platters.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes — the dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before rolling.

Q: How do I keep cookies from spreading?
A: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, chill the dough well, and avoid overworking it.

Q: What icing is best for decorating?
A: Royal icing sets hard and is ideal for detailed decoration. For a softer finish, use a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Conclusion

For another beloved take on gingerbread cookies and inspiration for decorations and texture, see My Favorite Gingerbread Cookies – Sally’s Baking (My Favorite Gingerbread Cookies – Sally’s Baking).