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Gingerbread Man Cookies on a cooling rack next to an undecorated Gingerbread Man.
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5 from 50 votes

Gingerbread Man Cookies

Make festive Gingerbread Man Cookies that hold their shape, taste cozy with molasses and warm spices, and are perfect for decorating with kids during the holidays.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Refrigeration4 hours
Total Time4 hours 23 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Keyword: Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies
Servings: 24
Calories: 196kcal
Author: Echo Blickenstaff

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup molasses
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Royal icing

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg and molasses. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment and mix at high speed to keep it smooth.
    Mixing bowl with creamed butter and sugar for Gingerbread Cookies.
  • In a different bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Slowly add to the wet ingredients while stirring. Mix until combined.
    Mixing bowl of Gingerbread Cookie dough next to cookie paddle.
  • Divide the dough in half and shape into two balls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
    Two balls of Gingerbread Cookie dough wrapped in plastic wrap.
  • Remove one from fridge and bring to room temperature (let it sit out for 15 minutes, or microwave for about 10 seconds). Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    Ball of Gingerbread Cookie dough on a dusted with flour next to a rolling pin.
  • On a floured surface, roll dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut rolled out dough with cookie cutters.
    Rolled out Gingerbread cookie dough with cut out shapes. Cookie cutters and rolling pin on the side.
  • Place cut-out dough on a baking sheet that is greased or lined with parchment paper or silicone mat.
    Cookie sheet with a silicone mat of unbaked Gingerbread cut out Cookies.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let the cookies rest for 5 min on the baking sheet before moving them to a cooling rack.
    Spatula holding a Baked Gingerbread man cookie over a cooling rack.
  • Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate with royal icing and any candies and enjoy!
    Cooling rack and table with decorated Gingerbread Cookies. Royal icing and sprinkles on the side.

Video

Notes

  • Chill dough at least 4 hours so it rolls and cuts cleanly.
  • Keep dough cold by working with one half at a time.
  • Roll to 1/4 inch for tender cookies that still hold their shape.
  • Bake on parchment or a silicone mat for even bottoms.
  • Cool completely before decorating so the icing does not melt.
  • Store in an airtight container or freeze undecorated cookies for later.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 163mg | Potassium: 195mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 187IU | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg