Description
Embark, on a journey with our Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies, where each delicious bite transports you to a wonderland of festive flavors. These cookies are a blend of aromatic spices such as ginger, cinnamon and just a touch of nutmeg all perfectly balanced with the rich and deep sweetness of molasses. What truly sets them apart is their texture. Chewy yet with a crispness around the edges that brings to mind cozy winter evenings by the fireplace. As you adorn each gingerbread man, with royal icing it’s not just baking; it’s an opportunity to create art, forge memories and sprinkle some holiday magic. These cookies aren’t simply treats; they’re an experience waiting to unfold in your own kitchen.
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
For all the gingerbread cookie enthusiasts who adore the charm but have to steer off gluten fret not! Our beloved Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies can effortlessly be transformed into a gluten-free treat. The secret lies in substituting all-purpose flour with a notch gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum as it imitates the binding quality of gluten ensuring your cookies come together beautifully and maintain that texture.
Remember, gluten-free flours tend to absorb moisture so you may need to adjust the levels. If the dough feels too dry feel free to add a splash of molasses or a touch of milk until you achieve the desired consistency. Additionally keep a watch, on baking time as gluten-free dough can sometimes require less time in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
