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Gingerbread Men Cookies

A festive plate of gingerbread men cookies decorated with white icing and colorful candy buttons, set against a holiday background.

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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)
  • 24 tablespoons milk (for icing)
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (for icing)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
  • Decorative candies and sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth.
  2. Add egg and vanilla; mix until just combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until dough forms.
  5. Divide dough, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 3 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Roll dough to ¼-inch thick on floured surface and cut into shapes.
  8. Place cookies on baking sheet 2 inches apart and bake for 8–10 minutes.
  9. Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
  10. For icing, whisk powdered sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth; adjust consistency as needed.
  11. Pipe icing onto cookies and decorate with sprinkles or candies.
  12. 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.