Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe

The gingerbread man cookie recipe is one of the most heartwarming Christmas traditions. The smell of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses filling your kitchen is pure holiday magic. These cute cookies are fun to bake, decorate, and share with friends and family. If you’re looking for an easy Christmas treat that everyone loves, this recipe is for you!

This is a soft, chewy, and flavorful version of gingerbread cookies that even beginners can make. You’ll get perfect shapes, lovely color, and that signature festive spice in every bite.

Why You Will Love This Christmas Baking Recipe

• Super simple to make
• Perfect for kids’ Christmas baking activities
• Soft and chewy texture with crispy edges
• Fun to decorate with icing or frosting
• Great aroma and taste

If you’ve been searching for easy Christmas baking recipes, this one will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies

To make these classic cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This mix creates the perfect balance of flavor — slightly spicy, gently sweet, and rich from the molasses.

How to Make Gingerbread Man Cookie

This gingerbread cookie recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delivers bakery-quality results.

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices — ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and creamy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and combined.

Step 4: Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape during baking.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter for those classic shapes.

Step 7: Bake

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or frosting.

This method gives you perfectly shaped gingerbread man cookies that are chewy and golden brown.

Gingerbread Man Cookie Frosting Recipe

The best part about baking these cookies is decorating them!

Here’s a quick and easy gingerbread cookie frosting recipe you’ll love:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Directions:
Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner consistency. Spoon into a piping bag and decorate cooled cookies.

This simple frosting works beautifully with Christmas cookie ideas — from snowflakes to stars!

Gingerbread Man Cookie Icing Recipe

For firmer decoration that dries hard, use this gingerbread cookie icing recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon meringue powder
• 1–2 tablespoons water

Whisk until stiff peaks form. Add food coloring for detail work. This icing is perfect for faces, buttons, or white edges on your easy gingerbread cookies.

How to Make Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe with Molasses

Molasses is the soul of any gingerbread man cookies. It adds depth, sweetness, and that signature dark color.

To make these cookies with molasses:

• Use unsulphured molasses for best flavor.
• Mix it into your wet ingredients to ensure even flavor.
• Don’t replace it with syrup unless you have to — it’s what makes true gingerbread cookie taste like Christmas.

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Variation

Want softer, chewy gingerbread cookies? Try this:

• Bake for 1–2 minutes less than usual.
• Add a tablespoon of honey to the dough.
• Store cookies in an airtight tin with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

These tweaks give you soft centers and chewy bites — perfect for pairing with cocoa!

Decorating Ideas for Christmas Cookie Baking

If you love Christmas baking recipes, get creative with decorating:

• Add candy buttons and pretzel arms for fun designs.
• Use royal icing to draw snowflakes or Santa suits.
• Dip in white chocolate for half-and-half styles.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar for a “snow” effect.

You can even turn them into ornaments by poking a hole before baking and tying them with ribbons after cooling!

What to Serve With Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies pair perfectly with:

• Hot chocolate or spiced coffee
• Warm apple cider
• Vanilla milkshakes
• Eggnog

Enjoy them at breakfast, after dinner, or pack them in cookie boxes as holiday gifts.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The gingerbread man cookie is more than just dessert — it’s part of the joy of Christmas. From mixing the dough to decorating with family, each cookie carries holiday spirit and sweetness. These easy gingerbread cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for gifting or enjoying with a warm drink.

This is a must-try for anyone who loves Christmas recipes baking, especially when you want something easy, festive, and delicious. Bake them once, and you’ll add them to your annual holiday list forever!

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