Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies – Step into my kitchen, where today we’re whipping up a storm with our Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies. These cookies aren’t a treat; they take you on a delightful festive journey. Bursting with the flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses they bring the essence of the holiday season to every mouthful. They’re absolutely perfect, for sharing and an absolute must-try for anyone who enjoys that blend of spice and sweetness.
I can still vividly recall the first time I baked these cookies. It was a chilly afternoon in December. I was searching for a way to entertain my kids while infusing our home with some holiday magic. As the delightful aroma of ginger and cinnamon wafted through the air their excitement became almost tangible. When my husband took his bite his smile spoke volumes. Since then these cookies have become a family tradition that we eagerly look forward to soon as the festive season arrives.
What makes this Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies truly special?
What sets these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies apart? Well, firstly they strike that balance between chewiness and crispness that is so hard to achieve in gingerbread treats. The royal icing adds the amount of sweetness perfectly complementing the deep spicy flavors of each cookie. Furthermore, they offer fun when it comes to decorating. A thoroughly enjoyable activity, for both kids and adults!
What You Need To Make This Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the canvas of our cookie masterpiece. It’s what gives the cookies their structure and bite. Remember, a little extra for rolling out your dough can make the process so much smoother and almost therapeutic.
Ground Ginger: The star of the show! This isn’t just a spice; it’s the soul of our gingerbread cookies. It brings that warm, spicy kick that’s essential to any gingerbread.
Cinnamon and Cloves: Think of these as the supporting actors to our star (ginger). Cinnamon adds a sweet warmth, while cloves bring a depth of flavor, making every bite a little dance of festive spices.
Nutmeg: This is our secret touch. A little nutmeg goes a long way in adding that subtle, nutty warmth, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Baking Soda: Our little leavening friend ensures our cookies are just the right amount of puffy and chewy.
Salt: Just a pinch, but oh, so important. It’s like a flavor enhancer, making all the other ingredients come alive.
Unsalted Butter: The backbone of our cookie’s texture. It’s all about balance here – too hard, and you’ll struggle to mix; too soft, and your dough gets sticky. Room temperature is your sweet spot.
Light Brown Sugar: This isn’t just about sweetness; it’s about moisture and depth. The molasses in the brown sugar pairs wonderfully with our spices, adding to that chewy texture we love.
Molasses: This is where the magic happens. It’s what gives these cookies their distinct gingerbread flavor and that irresistible chewiness. Plus, it makes the dough a beautiful, rich color.
Egg: Our little binder that holds everything together, adding to the richness and structure of the cookie.
Royal Icing Ingredients (Powdered Sugar, Meringue Powder, Cream of Tartar, Water): This is where your creativity comes into play. The royal icing is not just a decoration; it’s the finishing touch that adds a bit of sweetness and a lot of personality to your cookies.
Sprinkles: Because who doesn’t love a bit of color and fun? Choose sprinkles that speak to you, that bring out your inner child, and make your gingerbread men uniquely yours.
Steps To Make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies:
Step 1: Start by taking a moment to gather all your ingredients. It’s like assembling the cast for a grand play. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, spices, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. It’s not just mixing; it’s the beginning of something beautiful. As you whisk, let the aroma of the spices transport you to your coziest holiday memories.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 2: In a larger bowl, let’s create the heart of our cookies. Take the softened butter – it should be as soft as a warm hug – and add the brown sugar and molasses. Now, beat them with your mixer until they’re fluffy and light, like a cloud of sweet, spiced air. This is where patience pays off – a good 2 minutes of beating makes all the difference. Crack in the egg and watch it bring everything together into a harmonious mixture.
Step 3: Turn your mixer down to a low whisper and gradually introduce the dry ingredients to the wet. This is a slow dance, where every bit of flour gently combines with the spiced butter mixture. The dough will come together like a soft, tender embrace. Remember, don’t overmix; we want to keep the tenderness.
Step 4: Divide this beautiful dough in half, wrap it gently in plastic, and let it rest in the fridge. This isn’t just chilling; it’s the dough taking a deep breath, becoming ready to transform into cookies. Give it about an hour, or let it dream overnight if you’re planning ahead.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to that cozy warmth of 350°F. Take the dough out and let it sit for a moment, just enough to soften slightly. Flour your surface and rolling pin – imagine you’re a baker in a Christmas movie, this is your scene. Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness, feeling the smooth transformation under your pin. Now, take your gingerbread man cutter – this is where you bring your characters to life. Cut out the shapes and lay them on a parchment-lined baking tray, giving them space to breathe and bake.
Step 6: Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 9-10 minutes. This is the transformational phase. Watch as they puff up slightly, turning a gorgeous golden brown. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with the smell of holidays, of warmth, of love.
Step 7: Once they’re baked, let them rest on the baking sheets for a moment, like they’re catching their breath. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Here comes the fun part – decorating with royal icing and sprinkles! Unleash your creativity. Each gingerbread man is a canvas for your imagination.
Tip:
Here’s a helpful tip to enhance your Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies; Once you’ve rolled out the dough and cut out your men give them a rest on the baking tray for approximately 10 minutes before placing them in the oven. Wondering why? This simple break allows the dough to settle and become slightly firmer.
The outcome? Your gingerbread men will maintain their shape better while they bake, resulting in more defined edges. This is particularly beneficial when you’re aiming for a batch of cookies that looks picture perfect and Instagram. Additionally, it facilitates the decorating process since defined edges are easier to work with when applying icing.
So remember patience isn’t a virtue; it’s also an ingredient, in the world of baking!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the dough in advance. It’s perfectly fine to refrigerate the dough overnight.
How do I store these cookies?
When it comes to storing these cookies it’s best to keep them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their freshness for, up, to a week.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
If you’re wondering about freezing the cookies go ahead! They freeze well. Just remember to thaw them before serving.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 3 ¼ c all-purpose flour plus extra for rolling
- 1 ½ tbsp ground ginger
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ c unsalted butter softened (1 ½ sticks)
- ¾ c light brown sugar packed
- ½ c molasses
- 1 large egg room temperature
For the royal icing:
- 2 ½ c powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp. warm water
- 2 tbsp. meringue powder
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
For the decorations:
- Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
- In a bowl whisk together 3 ¼ cups of flour, 1 ½ tablespoons of ground ginger, 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon and small amounts (about ¼ teaspoon each) of ground cloves and nutmeg. Add in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of salt.
- In a bowl beat together ¾ cup of softened butter with ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar and half a cup of molasses until the mixture becomes fluffy. Then add in one egg. Continue beating.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into two portions wrap them separately in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator to chill for one hour.
- Preheat your oven to a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Allow the chilled dough to rest for ten minutes before rolling it out on a floured surface to a quarter-inch thickness.
- Utilize a gingerbread man cutter measuring four inches in size to cut out shapes from your dough. Arrange these cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Place your cookies, in the oven. Bake them for approximately nine to ten minutes or until they become set with a slightly golden color.
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes, on the baking sheets then transfer them to a wire rack, for cooling. Add icing and sprinkles for decoration according to your preference.
To make the Royal Icing:
- Combine 2 ½ cups of sugar, 4 tablespoons of water 2 tablespoons of meringue powder and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar. Beat the mixture until it becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
