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Classic Gingerbread Men

Classic Gingerbread Men are a spiced holiday cookie that is chewy and perfect for decorating with royal icing. They hold their shape well and are ideal for holiday baking traditions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
For Decoration
  • Royal icing For decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and molasses.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until combined.
  5. Divide the dough, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Cut out gingerbread men shapes and place on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set and edges are firm.
  5. Cool cookies completely before decorating with royal icing.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Use parchment between layers to protect decorations.