Gingerbread Men Cookies

The aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses filling your kitchen is the kind of memory that lingers long after the cookies are gone. Gingerbread men cookies bring that cozy warmth, perfect for a festive afternoon or a holiday baking session with friends and family. Their cheerful shapes and spiced sweetness make them a classic that never goes out of style.

Making these Christmas gingerbread cookies is surprisingly simple, even if you’ve never baked before. This best gingerbread cookie recipe balances the rich flavors of ginger and molasses with just the right touch of sweetness. The dough is easy to roll and cut, making it fun for decorating with kids or getting creative with icing and sprinkles.

One of the best parts of this chewy gingerbread cookies recipe is the texture. These cookies are soft in the center but hold their shape beautifully on the edges. Whether you prefer them lightly golden or baked until a little more firm, they deliver that perfect bite every time. The secret is chilling the dough just enough so your easy gingerbread men stay soft without spreading too much in the oven.

I love how versatile this soft gingerbread cookies recipe is. You can keep them simple with a dusting of sugar or go all out with icing and candy decorations. And the best part? Once you learn how to make gingerbread men, you’ll have a go-to recipe that fills your home with the unmistakable smell of holiday joy and gives you a treat that everyone will ask for year after year.

Why You’ll Love It

• Perfectly Soft and Chewy – These gingerbread men cookies have a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth while maintaining a slightly crisp edge. It’s the kind of texture that makes you want just one more… and then another.
• Fun to Decorate – From classic icing faces to sprinkles and candy buttons, decorating is half the joy. Kids love it, adults love it, and you’ll love seeing your gingerbread creations come to life.
• Rich, Warm Flavors – The combination of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses gives these Christmas gingerbread cookies a depth of flavor that feels nostalgic and festive in every bite.
• Easy to Make – Even if you’re new to baking, this easy gingerbread men recipe comes together quickly. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and minimal rolling and cutting make it stress-free.
• Perfect for Gifting – These soft gingerbread cookies are not only delicious to eat but also adorable to give. Package them in jars or boxes for thoughtful, homemade gifts during the holiday season.

Ingredient List

For the Gingerbread Dough:

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

For Decorating (Optional):

• Royal icing or store-bought icing tubes
• Mini chocolate chips, candies, or sprinkles

Ingredient Notes

• I always use dark molasses for gingerbread—it adds a deep, rich flavor that makes these cookies truly Christmas-worthy.
• Don’t skip the ground ginger! It’s the star of the show and gives your gingerbread men that classic spicy kick.
• Brown sugar adds softness and chewiness—light or dark both work, but dark sugar gives a deeper flavor.
• Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour makes it so much easier to roll and cut without sticking.
• I like using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness, but salted butter works if that’s what you have on hand.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately; I love using glass bowls so I can see everything clearly.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless; saves your arms!
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accurate measurements are key for perfect gingerbread cookies.
• Rolling Pin – To roll out dough evenly; I prefer a wooden one for smooth results.
• Cookie Cutters (Gingerbread Men Shapes) – Essential for shaping your festive cookies.
• Baking Sheets – For baking cookies; I line mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cooling Rack – To let cookies cool evenly and stay soft.
• Spatula – For transferring cookies from baking sheet to rack without breaking them.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This is your spice mix—make sure it’s evenly combined.
   • Pro Tip: Sifting the flour and spices together helps prevent lumps and ensures a smoother dough.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.
2. Once combined, knead lightly by hand to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
   • Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of soft.

3. Chill the Dough

1. Form the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
   • Pro Tip: Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut perfect gingerbread men shapes.

4. Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick.
3. Use gingerbread men cookie cutters to cut shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
   • Pro Tip: Keep the dough scraps in the fridge to re-roll—they’ll stay soft and easier to handle.

5. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes for soft cookies, or 10–12 minutes for slightly firmer edges.
2. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
   • Pro Tip: Letting them cool slightly on the baking sheet helps them hold their shape and prevents breaking.

6. Decorate (Optional)

1. Once cooled, use royal icing, candies, or chocolate chips to decorate your gingerbread men cookies.
2. Get creative with faces, buttons, and patterns—fun for kids or holiday entertaining.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill the Dough – Always refrigerate for at least 1 hour; it prevents spreading and keeps your gingerbread men shapes crisp around the edges.
• Use Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Don’t Overbake – Remove cookies when edges are set but centers are still soft for that perfect chewy texture.
• Roll Evenly – Keep the dough about ¼ inch thick so cookies bake evenly.
• Decorate After Cooling – Icing melts on warm cookies, so give them time to cool completely before adding decorations.
• Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container to maintain softness, or freeze for later.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Molasses: Use honey or maple syrup if you don’t have molasses; flavor will be slightly lighter.
• Butter: Swap with margarine or coconut oil for a different texture or dairy-free version.
• Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour works well for a soft, chewy result.
• Spices: Adjust the ginger, cinnamon, or cloves to suit your taste—more ginger for a spicier bite!
• Sugar: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a richer, slightly caramel flavor.
• Decorations: Use chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or dried fruit if you want a twist on the classic look.

Serving Suggestions

• I love enjoying these gingerbread men cookies with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate—it’s cozy and perfect for holiday afternoons.
• Serve alongside vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a sweet and spicy dessert twist.
• Arrange on a festive plate with other Christmas cookies for a holiday cookie exchange or party centerpiece.
• Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a simple yet comforting snack during chilly mornings.
• Wrap a few in cellophane with a ribbon as homemade gifts—they’re always a hit with friends and neighbors!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep cookies soft and chewy.
• Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh their soft texture.
• Icing Tips: If decorated, avoid reheating with icing on—add decorations after warming to prevent melting.
• Layering: Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking if storing multiple batches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do gingerbread men cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The texture will stay soft and chewy, perfect for holiday treats.

Why are my cookies too hard?

Overbaking is usually the culprit. Bake until edges are set but centers are still soft, then allow them to cool—they firm up slightly while staying chewy.

Can I decorate these cookies in advance?

Absolutely! Icing works best on completely cooled cookies. Decorated cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

Can I use different spices?

Yes, feel free to adjust the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to your taste. More ginger gives a spicier kick, while extra cinnamon adds warmth.

Can I make these cookies without molasses?

You can substitute honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will be a bit lighter. Molasses gives the signature rich, dark taste.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! I love seeing your gingerbread men creations, decorations, and festive baking moments.