Should gingerbread cookies be hard or soft?

This comes down to personal preference. Our recipe makes soft and chewy gingerbread men with firm edges and melt-in-your-mouth centers. If you prefer crisp cookies, you can bake them a minute longer or use a thinner dough.

Why do you chill gingerbread dough?

Chilling is essential. It makes sticky dough easier to roll and prevents cookies from spreading . It also gives the flavors time to blend for a richer, deeper gingerbread taste.

Can you use this recipe for gingerbread houses?

Yes, but with caution. These cookies have a softer center, so if you're building a small gingerbread house , it should work. For larger structures, consider a stiffer dough for better support.

What’s the best molasses for cookies?

Use unsulphured molasses labeled for baking. Avoid blackstrap molasses—it’s too bitter and strong for cookies. Brands like Grandma’s and Brer Rabbit work beautifully.

Are gingerbread men and gingersnaps the same?

Not quite. Gingersnaps are usually thinner, crispier, and more heavily spiced. Gingerbread men are thicker, softer, and ideal for cut-out decorating .

Gingerbread Men Cookies – Best Soft & Spiced Recipe (2025)

Name: Gingerbread Men Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (100 g) light or dark brown sugar, tightly packed; ½ cup (120 ml) unsulphured molasses; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar, sifted (for icing); 2–4 tablespoons milk (for icing); 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (for icing); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing); Decorative candies and sprinkles (optional)

Gingerbread Men Cookies

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Soft and spiced Gingerbread Men Cookies that hold their shape perfectly. Ideal for festive baking and fun decorating with family during the holidays.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 25 minutes (+3 hours chill time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 24–30 cookies
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) light or dark brown sugar, tightly packed
½ cup (120 ml) unsulphured molasses
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar, sifted (for icing)
2–4 tablespoons milk (for icing)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup (for icing)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Decorative candies and sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Cream butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth.
Add egg and vanilla; mix until just combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until dough forms.
Divide dough, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll dough to ¼-inch thick on floured surface and cut into shapes.
Place cookies on baking sheet 2 inches apart and bake for 8–10 minutes.
Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
For icing, whisk powdered sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth; adjust consistency as needed.
Pipe icing onto cookies and decorate with sprinkles or candies.
Allow icing to harden before storing or serving.

Notes

Dough is naturally sticky—chilling is essential for easier rolling.
Use unsulphured molasses for best flavor; avoid blackstrap.
Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Use fresh spices for the best aroma and flavor.

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/gingerbread-men-cookies-recipe/