Ah, the holiday season! There’s just something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? I can still remember the first time I made soft chewy gingerbread men cookies with my family. We turned the kitchen into a flour-dusted wonderland, giggling as we rolled out the dough and cut out the shapes of little men, complete with icing decorations that were, let’s just say, as creative as they were chaotic! Trust me, it’s not just about the cookies; it’s about the memories you create while making them.
These cookies are a delightful blend of spices, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates that perfect festive flavor that just screams holiday cheer! And the best part? They’re soft and chewy, which means they practically melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, to share with friends, or just to enjoy with a cozy cup of tea, these gingerbread men are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Soft Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for the perfect bake! You want your cookies to rise beautifully while they’re in there, so don’t skip this part!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. I like to whisk these together until they’re well blended. This helps to distribute the spices evenly throughout the dough, giving each cookie that delightful flavor boost!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab another bowl and let’s cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. You’ll want to mix this until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! The fluffiness of the butter and sugar is key to those soft, chewy cookies we’re after.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next up, add in 1/2 cup of molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth—this is where the magic starts happening! The molasses gives that rich color and flavor that makes gingerbread so special.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I usually do this in thirds, mixing gently until a dough forms. You want to avoid overmixing here—just stir until you can’t see any dry flour. Your dough will be a little sticky, and that’s exactly what you want!
Chill the Dough
Now, here’s a crucial step: wrap your dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This chilling time helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into those adorable shapes. Plus, it helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
Cut into Shapes
Once your dough is nicely chilled, sprinkle a little flour on your countertop and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Then, grab your favorite cookie cutters and cut out those cute gingerbread men! Don’t forget to have fun with it—make silly shapes and sizes if you want!
Bake the Cookies
Place your cookie shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between them. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re just starting to firm up. They’ll continue to cook a bit once you take them out, so don’t worry if they look a little soft!
Cool and Store
Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and chewy for days—if they last that long, that is!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful soft chewy gingerbread men cookies. Each cookie is a little bundle of happiness, but it’s always good to know what you’re munching on, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a perfect treat, balancing a hint of sweetness with that warm spice flavor. So go ahead, indulge a little—they’re made for sharing and spreading joy during the holidays!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your soft chewy gingerbread men cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that’ll help you achieve cookie greatness:
- Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is truly softened before you start creaming it with the sugar. I usually take it out about an hour before baking. If you forget, you can cut it into small cubes and microwave it for just a few seconds—be careful not to melt it!
- Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for your flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. Too much flour can make your cookies dry, and we definitely want them soft and chewy!
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s super important for developing flavor and makes the dough easier to work with. If it’s too soft after chilling, just give it a little more time in the fridge.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is a bit different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. They should be just set and slightly puffed up—remember, they’ll continue to firm as they cool!
- Decorating Fun: If you’re planning to decorate, let the cookies cool completely before adding icing. This prevents it from melting and turning into a gooey mess. Plus, it gives you a nice, clean surface to work with!
- Store Wisely: To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps to retain moisture, keeping those chewy vibes alive!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake up a storm! Enjoy every moment of the process, and don’t forget to share the love (and cookies) with friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make and perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Delightful blend of warm spices that fills your home with festive cheer
- Soft and chewy texture that everyone loves
- Fun to decorate, making it a great activity for families or parties
- Perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and neighbors
- Customizable with different shapes and icing designs
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
- Great for holiday traditions—your family will keep coming back for more!
- Deliciously nostalgic, bringing back memories of holiday baking
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add a nice nutty flavor, but keep in mind that it might make the cookies a bit denser. I like to use a mix of both for a lighter texture!
What’s the best way to store my cookies?
To keep your soft chewy gingerbread men cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture. They’ll stay soft and delicious for days!
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then roll it out as usual.
What’s the best icing for decorating?
I love using royal icing for decorating because it dries hard and holds its shape beautifully. But if you want something easier, a simple powdered sugar glaze works great too. Just mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla until you reach your desired consistency!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! These cookies actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors develop. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container. They make for a perfect make-ahead treat for any holiday gathering!
What if I don’t have molasses?
If you find yourself without molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will change slightly. You could also use a combination of brown sugar and a bit of water to mimic the consistency!
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can give your gingerbread men a fun twist. Just be sure not to add too much, so the dough still holds together well.
How can I make my cookies more flavorful?
If you want to amp up that spice flavor, try adding a bit more ginger or a pinch of nutmeg. You can also experiment with adding a teaspoon of orange zest for a lovely citrusy note! Ginger is known for its health benefits, making it a great addition to your cookies!
Soft Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies: 5 Secrets for Perfection
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft chewy gingerbread men cookies with a delightful spice flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Decorate with icing if desired.
- Adjust spices according to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: soft chewy gingerbread men cookies
