Gingerbread Men Cookies are a classic holiday favorite that fills the kitchen with warm, spiced aromas. These delightful cookies are not only tasty but also fun to make, especially with family and friends. The rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses blend perfectly to create a cookie that embodies the spirit of the season. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or just to enjoy at home, this recipe will have you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Men Cookies

Here are a few reasons why these Gingerbread Men Cookies will become a staple in your holiday baking:

They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for baking novices and seasoned pros alike.
The rich flavors of spices make these cookies a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holidays.
Customization is key! You can make decorated gingerbread men cookies that are as festive as they are delicious.
They are a great activity for families; decorating cookies can be a fun bonding experience.
These cookies make excellent gifts, showcasing your culinary skills and thoughtfulness.
With options for gluten-free gingerbread men cookies and vegan gingerbread men cookies, everyone can enjoy them!

Enjoy baking these holiday ginger cookies that are sure to impress!

Ingredients for Gingerbread Men Cookies

Gather these items:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Gingerbread Men Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 2: In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Step 4: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Shape dough into a thick disk, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
Step 7: Cut into gingerbread men shapes and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set and lightly browned.
Step 9: Cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before decorating.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Men Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Refrigerating the dough helps the flavors develop.
Decorate cookies with icing for a festive touch.
For a more tender cookie, avoid overmixing the dough.
When rolling out, keep flour on hand to prevent sticking.
Use a variety of icing colors to enhance your decorated gingerbread men cookies.

Best Ways to Serve Gingerbread Men Cookies

Here are a few ideas for serving your delicious cookies:

Pair with hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
Use them as festive place settings at your holiday table.
Include them in gift baskets for friends and family, showcasing your homemade work.

How to Store and Reheat Gingerbread Men Cookies

To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven. This easy gingerbread men cookie recipe is versatile for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Men Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Gingerbread Men Cookies?

The secret lies in the dough! Ensure it’s well-chilled, as this helps maintain the shape during baking and enhances the flavors, making your gingerbread cookies simply irresistible.

Can I make Gingerbread Men Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to a week. This makes it convenient for holiday baking as you can bake them fresh right before your festivities.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Gingerbread Men Cookies?

Common mistakes include overbaking them or not chilling the dough. To avoid this, keep an eye on the baking time and ensure you let the dough rest in the fridge before rolling it out.

Delicious Gingerbread Men Cookies for the Holidays - Gingerbread Men Cookies - additional detail

Variations of Gingerbread Men Cookies You Can Try

Explore these fun variations:

Gluten-free gingerbread men cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Vegan gingerbread men cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flaxseed meal as an egg substitute.
Soft gingerbread men cookies: Add a bit more butter to create a softer texture.
Holiday ginger cookies: Incorporate dried fruits or nuts for added flavor and texture.

For more tips on baking, check out this gingerbread cookie recipe that includes a delicious maple glaze. If you’re looking for more holiday recipes, visit our latest recipes page. You can also explore these cranberry orange pancakes for a festive breakfast option.

Delicious Gingerbread Men Cookies for the Holidays

Author: basmer
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This gingerbread men cookies recipe is a classic holiday favorite.

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Shape dough into a thick disk, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
Cut into gingerbread men shapes and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set and lightly browned.
Cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before decorating.