🍪🎄✨ Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies 🍪🎄✨

These delightful gingerbread men cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with holiday spices.
Perfect for decorating and sharing with family and friends this season!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon water (if needed)

For Decorating (optional):

• Royal icing or store-bought frosting
• Sprinkles or colored sugar
• Mini chocolate chips (for eyes and buttons)

Instructions

Make the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together into a soft dough.

Chill the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
2. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter (or any other fun shapes) to cut out your cookies.
4. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Decorate the Cookies

1. Once the cookies have cooled, decorate with royal icing or store-bought frosting to create faces, buttons, and other fun details.
2. Add sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or colored sugar for extra flair!

History

Gingerbread cookies have a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, where spiced honey cakes were first introduced in Europe.
Over time, these cookies evolved into the beloved holiday tradition we know today, with gingerbread men first popularized in the 16th century by Queen Elizabeth I.

Benefits

• Rich in spices like ginger and cinnamon, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Perfect for festive gatherings, bringing joy to both adults and children.
• Customizable with decorations to make each cookie unique and fun.

Nutrition

Per cookie (without decorations):
Calories: 140 | Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Sugar: 10g

Conclusion

Soft & chewy gingerbread men cookies are a staple of the holiday season.
Whether you bake them for your family, friends, or as a gift, they are sure to bring festive cheer to anyone who takes a bite.
So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let the baking fun begin!

Gingerbread Cookie Lovers

These cookies are adored by people of all ages. From children decorating their own gingerbread men to adults reliving nostalgic holiday memories,
gingerbread cookies are a timeless treat that connects generations and spreads holiday spirit.