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Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe: Easy Homemade Holiday Treats

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These cozy gingerbread men cookies are a nostalgic holiday treat, full of warm spices and molasses flavor. Easy to make and perfect for decorating, they bring festive fun to any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Royal icing (homemade or store-bought, for decorating)
  • Mini chocolate chips, candy buttons, raisins (for faces and buttons)
  • Colored sprinkles (optional, for festive flair)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Mix in egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully blended and glossy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing on low speed or by hand until a thick dough forms. If crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or water.
  5. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30-60 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread men shapes using cookie cutters. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more.
  8. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly firm.
  9. Let cookies sit on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, candies, chocolate chips, or sprinkles using a piping bag or zip-top bag.

Notes

Chill the dough for best results and easy rolling. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and flax egg. Decorate in batches for less mess. Store undecorated cookies in airtight containers and decorate just before serving. Flavors deepen after a day or two.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread men, holiday cookies, Christmas, molasses cookies, spiced cookies, easy gingerbread, festive treats, kid-friendly baking

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/gingerbread-men-cookies-recipe-easy-homemade-holiday-treats/