Why You’ll Love This Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
This recipe makes gingerbread men that stay soft inside and have a gentle chew. You get warm spices like ginger and cinnamon with rich molasses flavor. They hold shape well for cutting with cookie cutters. Kids and adults both enjoy decorating these cookies. They look great on a plate or a cookie tray at parties.
Why Make This Recipe
Make these cookies when you want a classic holiday treat that feels homemade but is easy to make. The dough is simple to mix and chill, and the cookies bake fast. The royal icing is stable and makes clean lines for faces and buttons. You can make a big batch to share, pack for gifts, or make with kids as a fun activity.
What You Need for Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
You need basic tools and a few items to make these cookies:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (gingerbread men)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Cooling racks
For simple tips on cookie texture and handling, see this helpful guide to a similar recipe: best gingerbread cookies recipe.
introduction
Start by weighing or measuring all ingredients. Read through the directions so you know each step. This recipe makes a soft dough that chills well. Plan for a short chilling time, then roll and cut shapes. Decorating is fun, so get sprinkles and piping bags ready. If you want a creamy cookie idea to serve with milk, you might like the Cookies ‘n’ Cream Cookies recipe for a different cookie to try later.
What You Need for Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies (Ingredients)
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons warm water
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Sprinkles of your choice
How to Make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
This section gives a clear, step-by-step flow to make the cookies and icing. Follow each step and work in a calm order. Chill the dough enough so it rolls well. Bake in a hot oven for a short time so the cookies stay soft.
Directions: For the cookies
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the molasses and the egg to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough into two disks. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up and keeps the shapes crisp.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread men with a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are set but centers stay soft. Do not overbake if you want a chewy center.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Directions: For the royal icing
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Stir briefly to mix.
- Add the warm water and cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer on low, then increase speed to medium-high. Beat until the icing forms stiff peaks and is smooth.
- If you prefer a thinner flood icing for filling areas, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired flow.
- Divide icing into bowls and add food coloring if you like. Transfer icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles.
- Pipe outlines first on the cooled cookies. Then flood the center with thinner icing. Use a toothpick to spread the icing smoothly.
- Add sprinkles before the icing dries. Let the cookies dry completely for at least 2 hours before stacking.
Best Ways to Serve Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Serve these cookies at room temperature. They pair well with hot cocoa, tea, or milk. For parties, arrange them on a platter with other cookies and candies. You can stack them tied with a ribbon for gifts. For a dessert plate, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They are also great packed in boxes for neighbors or sent in care packages.
How to Store Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a layer of parchment between layers to protect icing. They stay soft for several days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before decorating. If you freeze decorated cookies, add a sheet of cardboard between layers and wrap the container well to avoid moisture damage.
Easy Tips to Make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Use room temperature egg and butter so the dough mixes evenly.
- Chill the dough to make rolling easier and to keep cookie shape.
- Roll dough to the same thickness to bake evenly.
- Use a light dusting of flour on the board to prevent sticking but not too much flour or the cookies become dry.
- Line baking sheets so bottoms do not burn and cookies slide off easily.
- Test bake one cookie first to check bake time in your oven.
- Keep the icing thick for piping and a bit thinner for flooding.
- For clean lines, let outlines dry a few minutes before flooding.
- If you want softer cookies, bake on the lower end of the time range and cool on the sheet briefly.
Try These Variations of Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
You can change spices or add mix-ins:
- Add a teaspoon of ground black pepper for a warm bite.
- Use half molasses and half maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- Add finely chopped candied ginger to the dough for extra chew.
- Make cut-out shapes other than men—trees, stars, or hearts.
- Use colored icing and different sprinkles to match a theme.
- Make mini cookies for bite-size treats.
Common Questions About Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. You can make the dough, wrap it, and chill it for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling.
Q: How do I keep cookies soft?
A: Do not overbake. Remove cookies when edges set but centers are still slightly soft. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them moist.
Q: Can I use a different icing?
A: Yes. You can use a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for a softer finish. Royal icing gives a firm, neat finish for decorating.
Q: Can I make these without meringue powder?
A: Meringue powder helps royal icing set firm. You can use egg whites instead, but pasteurized egg whites are safer. Adjust amount to get stiff peaks.
Q: How do I fix icing that’s too runny?
A: Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right thickness. For stiffer lines, make sure it holds its shape when piped.
Final Thoughts
These Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are simple fun and taste like the holidays. The spice mix and molasses give them a warm flavor, and the royal icing makes them pretty and child-friendly. With a little practice, you can cut, bake, and decorate a whole batch in an afternoon. Keep a photo log of your favorite designs, and try new spice blends to make them your own.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Make a batch this week. Gather the ingredients, chill the dough, and let the kids join in the decorating. You will have soft, chewy gingerbread men that taste great and look bright on any cookie tray. If you want more step-by-step photos and a full guide from the original source, see this detailed recipe online in the link below.
Conclusion
For the full original recipe and extra photo steps, check the complete guide at Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies – Mom Loves Baking.
Print
Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious gingerbread men cookies that remain soft and chewy, perfect for decorating during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons warm water
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the molasses and the egg to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough into two disks. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread men with a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set but the centers stay soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
- In a mixing bowl for the royal icing, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Stir briefly to mix.
- Add warm water and cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer until the icing forms stiff peaks and is smooth.
- If you prefer a thinner flood icing, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired flow.
- Divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring. Pipe outlines on the cooled cookies and flood the center with thinner icing. Add sprinkles before the icing dries.
- Let the cookies dry completely for at least 2 hours before stacking.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness. They also make great gifts when stacked and tied with a ribbon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg