Description
Festive holiday spirit comes alive with delightful gingerbread men cookies, showcasing classic spices and whimsical shapes. Bakers can craft sweet memories while decorating these charming treats that bring joy to winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (165 grams) packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) molasses
- 1 large egg
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft a harmonious dry mixture by whisking together flour, baking soda, aromatic spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg), and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, then incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until fully integrated.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just combined without overmixing.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, gently shape each into a flattened disc, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes to firm up.
- Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
- Dust a clean work surface with a light layer of flour and roll out chilled dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
- Utilize gingerbread men cookie cutters to transform the dough into festive shapes, transferring each carefully to prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookie edges appear set and slightly golden, then transfer to wire cooling racks.
- Prepare decorative icing by whisking powdered sugar with milk until reaching a smooth, pipeable consistency.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, embellish with piped icing, creating charming facial features, buttons, and personalized holiday details.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain sharp cookie shapes during baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more consistent cookie dough texture and easier mixing.
- Swap molasses with honey or maple syrup for alternative flavor profiles and dietary adaptations.
- Roll dough between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness without adding extra flour.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg