I love a good cookie that feels like a hug in your hand. These gingerbread men are thick, soft, and full of warm spice.
introduction
This recipe makes Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies that are soft inside and slightly crisp at the edges. The dough rests in the fridge so the cookies keep their shape and stay thick when baked. If you like ginger and warm spices, you will like these. For another take on classic gingerbread, you can read a similar best gingerbread cookies recipe that focuses on thin, crisp cookies.
These cookies are family friendly. Kids can help cut shapes and decorate with icing and candies. The dough is simple to work with, and the bake time is short. You can make them ahead for parties or holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
You will love these cookies because they are both thick and chewy. The molasses gives a deep flavor that feels like home. The dough chills so the gingerbread men keep a nice shape, and the sugar and butter create a soft crumb. They are not too sweet, so the spice comes through clearly.
You will also like that the recipe uses common pantry items. You do not need special tools. The cookie cutters and simple icing make the cookies fun to decorate. These cookies work well for cookie swaps, school events, or a quiet night at home.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a gingerbread cookie that stays soft days after baking. The molasses and brown sugar make them tender. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep a thick, round body. The short bake time means you get soft centers.
This recipe is good to make with kids. The steps are easy and the dough is forgiving. If you want a different texture, try the dough rolled thinner or baked a bit longer. You can also freeze the dough for later baking, which is handy around the holidays.
What You Need for Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
You need a few basic tools: a mixing bowl, a whisk, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking sheets, and parchment paper or a silicone mat. You will also need measuring cups and spoons.
Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. Cold dough is harder to roll, and melted butter will make the cookies spread too much. A small offset spatula helps move cut cookies to the baking sheet without changing their shape.
For a list of other cookie ideas and a different flavor, try these almond butter chocolate chip cookies for a quick swap in your recipe plan.
How to Make Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Start by mixing the dry spices and flour. Cream the butter and sugar, then add the wet ingredients. Mix in the flour until the dough comes together. Chill the dough, roll it, cut shapes, and bake. Let the cookies cool before decorating.
Below are the full ingredients and the step-by-step directions so you can follow along easily.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorating icing and candies (optional)
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until firm.
- Let the cookies cool and then decorate with icing and candies if desired.
Follow the numbered steps and keep an eye on the first batch to find the exact bake time for your oven. If you want thicker cookies, roll the dough a little thicker and watch the edges so they do not brown too much.
Best Ways to Serve Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Serve them at room temperature with a hot drink like tea, coffee, or a cup of hot chocolate. They go well with a glass of milk for kids. For a party, arrange different cookies on a platter and add a bowl of icing for guests to decorate.
You can also sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of frosting or cream cheese filling for a special treat. If you plan to gift them, layer them in a box with parchment between layers so they do not stick.
How to Store Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Cool the cookies completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay soft for up to 5 days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
You can also freeze the dough before rolling. Shape it into a disk and wrap tightly. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting. Bake from chilled for best shape and texture.
Easy Tips to Make Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter to cream smoothly with the brown sugar.
- Chill the dough at least 2 hours. This helps the cookies stay thick.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface and use a sharp cutter for clean shapes.
- Move cookies to the baking sheet with a thin spatula to keep shapes neat.
- Bake only until edges are set. The center will firm up as the cookie cools.
- Cool on the sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.
These small steps give better results and save time by reducing broken cookies.
Try These Variations of Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper spice note.
- Use white or dark chocolate chips for a chocolate twist.
- Swap half the molasses for maple syrup for a sweeter, lighter flavor.
- Cut other shapes like stars or circles for variety.
- Make mini cookies for bite-sized snacks or larger cookies for a showy treat.
Each change is easy and keeps the core texture soft and chewy.
Common Questions About Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can chill the dough for up to 2 days in the fridge or freeze it for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge before rolling.
Q: Why should I chill the dough?
A: Chilling firms the butter and lets the flour hydrate. This stops spreading and keeps the cookies thick.
Q: Can I use dark molasses?
A: Yes. Dark molasses gives a stronger, richer flavor. Light molasses gives a milder taste.
Q: How do I keep cookies soft for days?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft for a few days.
Q: Can I use a different sugar?
A: Brown sugar adds moisture and flavor. You could try a mix of white and brown, but results may be less chewy.
Final Thoughts
These Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are a warm and simple treat. The spice mix, molasses, and brown sugar work together to give a traditional gingerbread taste with a soft bite. They are easy to make and fun to decorate. Use the tips and variations to match your taste and occasion.
Conclusion
If you want another soft and chewy take on gingerbread, check this Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies – Oh Sweet Basil for more ideas and tips to refine texture and flavor.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather the ingredients, chill the dough, and roll out those gingerbread men. Have fun decorating and sharing these thick, chewy cookies with family and friends.
Print
Thick & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Thick, soft, and chewy gingerbread cookies that are perfect for decorating and sharing.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorating icing and candies (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until firm.
- Let the cookies cool and then decorate with icing and candies if desired.
Notes
These cookies are soft and chewy, perfect for decorating with kids. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg