Here is a simple and chewy recipe for classic gingerbread men that you can make at home with easy steps and common ingredients.
introduction
This Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies recipe makes soft, spiced cookies with a deep molasses flavor. The dough is simple to mix and chill, then roll and cut into fun shapes. These cookies hold their shape well and stay soft for days when stored right. If you want more ideas for gingerbread texture and tips, see this best gingerbread cookies recipe which covers small tricks that also work here.
I will walk through why you will love this cookie, what you need, how to make it, and how to serve and store it. The language is plain and the steps are easy to follow. This recipe fits holiday baking, a weekend project with kids, or any time you want warm ginger flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
You will love these cookies because they are soft and chewy, not hard and crisp. The molasses gives a rich, warm flavor and the spices—ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—make each bite cozy. They are easy to roll and cut, so you can make fun shapes and decorate them with icing. The dough chills well, which helps control spreading and keeps cookies thick.
The texture is forgiving. If you like a softer cookie, bake at the lower end of the time range. If you want a bit more bite, add a minute. The recipe uses common pantry items and is quick to mix. It is a great option for family baking days and for making a batch ahead for gifts.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe because it balances flavor and ease. The chewyness is built from the right mix of butter, brown sugar, and molasses. The spices are measured to give a strong ginger taste without overwhelming the other flavors. You do not need special equipment—just bowls, a mixer or spoon, a rolling pin, and cookie cutters.
This recipe also adapts well. You can change shapes, swap decorations, or cut it into bars. It stores well and can be frozen at the dough stage or as baked cookies, so you can bake only what you need and keep the rest for later.
What You Need for Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Gather these tools before you start:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk for dry ingredients
- Electric mixer or a sturdy spoon for creaming butter and sugars
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap for chilling dough
- Rolling pin and flour for dusting
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter or other shapes
- Baking sheets and parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Having everything ready makes the baking smooth. Chill time is important. The recipe asks to chill the dough at least one hour. This step firms the dough so it rolls easier and keeps a better shape while baking.
How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Ingredients:
2 1/4 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, 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup molasses, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until set.
- Let cool, then decorate as desired.
Step-by-step notes:
- Whisk the dry ingredients first so the spices spread evenly.
- Cream the butter and sugars until light. This traps air and helps texture.
- Mix wet and dry just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Chill the dough fully. If you are short on time, 30 minutes helps, but one hour is better.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick for chewy cookies. Thinner cookies bake crispier.
- Watch the first batch closely to learn your oven timing. Remove cookies when the edges set but the center still looks slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet a few minutes before moving to a rack to finish firming up.
Best Ways to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. Fresh from the oven, they pair well with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa. For a holiday plate, add colorful icing, sprinkles, or small candies to bring charm. You can also sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or buttercream for a special treat.
For parties, arrange them on a platter with other holiday cookies. If you wish to combine textures, pair these chewy gingerbread men with a crisp cookie or biscotti. For a light dessert, top one cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel.
How to Store Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place a slice of bread or a piece of apple in the container to help keep them soft; replace it when it hardens. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a sheet until firm, then stack them with parchment between layers in a freezer bag for up to three months.
You can also freeze the dough. After chilling, roll and cut shapes, then freeze the cut dough on a sheet. Once frozen, move the shapes to a bag. Bake from frozen—add a minute or two to the baking time. This method is great if you want fresh cookies with less work on the day you need them.
Easy Tips to Make Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Measure flour correctly by spooning into the cup and leveling. Too much flour makes cookies dry.
- Use room temperature butter and egg for even mixing.
- Do not skip chilling. It helps control spread and improves flavor.
- Roll dough between two sheets of parchment for easy transfer and less sticking.
- If dough cracks when rolling, warm it a minute in your hands then smooth and chill again.
- For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the bake.
- Keep cookie thickness consistent so all bake at the same rate.
If you like trying different cookie types, you might enjoy experimenting with other cookie recipes like this almond butter chocolate chip cookies which give a different texture and flavor to compare with these gingerbread men.
Try These Variations of Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Soft molasses boost: Use 2 tablespoons more molasses for deeper flavor.
- Citrus twist: Add 1 teaspoon grated orange zest to the dough for brightness.
- Spiced mix: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom to the dry mix for a more complex spice profile.
- Chocolate-dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate and let set.
- Iced designs: Use simple royal icing or store-bought icing to make faces and clothes.
- Gluten-free: Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and chill a bit longer before rolling.
These variations use the same base dough. Small changes keep the same easy method while giving different results.
Common Questions About Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. You can make and chill the dough for up to 48 hours in the fridge, or freeze it for a month. If frozen, thaw in the fridge before rolling.
Q: Why are my cookies not chewy?
A: Often this is from too much flour, overbaking, or rolling too thin. Use the right flour amount, bake until just set, and keep dough at about 1/4 inch thick.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Margarin can change taste and texture. Butter gives better flavor and a pleasant chew. If you must use margarine, pick one with high fat and reduce baking time slightly.
Q: How do I keep cookies from spreading?
A: Chill the dough, use parchment paper, and avoid very hot baking sheets. If your kitchen is warm, chill cut shapes on the sheet before baking.
Q: Can I freeze baked cookies?
A: Yes, freeze baked cookies in layers separated by parchment for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies recipe is simple and rewarding. The dough is easy to make, the baking is forgiving, and the result is soft, spiced cookies that please both kids and adults. With a few small tweaks you can make different textures and flavors from the same base dough. These cookies are great for gifts, party trays, or a warm treat during cold days.
Conclusion
If you want another take on soft and chewy gingerbread men with extra tips and a photo guide, check this helpful recipe for reference at Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies – Mom Loves Baking. Ready to try the recipe? Gather your ingredients and enjoy making warm, chewy gingerbread men.
Print
Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy soft and spiced Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies with a deep molasses flavor, perfect for holiday baking or anytime a warm ginger treat is desired.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 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
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until set.
- Let cool, then decorate as desired.
Notes
For softer cookies, roll dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Pair fresh cookies with cold milk or hot cocoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg