Gingerbread Man Cookies are a classic holiday treat that bring a little fun and spice to any kitchen. These cookies are soft yet slightly crisp, with just the right mix of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses to make them taste like the cozy season itself. Plus, they’re shaped like cute little men, which makes decorating them a joy for both kids and adults alike.
I love making these cookies because they bring the whole family together. I find that the best part is rolling out the dough and cutting out the little gingerbread men, then letting everyone decorate them with icing and colorful candies. It feels like a simple craft project that you can eat afterward, and that always makes me smile. A little tip I’ve learned is to chill the dough before rolling it out so the shapes hold up better in the oven.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy gingerbread men is fresh out of the oven with a warm cup of milk or a cozy mug of tea. It’s a comforting combo that instantly reminds me of holiday mornings and festive gatherings. These cookies aren’t just tasty — they’re also a sweet way to make memories and spread a little holiday cheer.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour gives these cookies the right structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Molasses: This adds rich sweetness and that classic gingerbread flavor. If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or honey can work, but the taste will be milder.
Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create the warm, spiced flavor. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and ginger to your taste or omit cloves if you’re not a fan.
Butter: Use unsalted and softened butter for better control over salt and texture. For a dairy-free option, substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil, but expect a slight flavor change.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar keeps the cookies moist and tender. You can swap for coconut sugar for a more caramel-like taste.
How Do You Get Perfectly Firm yet Soft Gingerbread Men?
Getting the right texture can be tricky. Here’s what helps me:
- Chill the dough: Cooling the dough for at least 2 hours firms it up so the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Roll evenly: Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness to avoid cracking or spreading too much.
- Watch baking time: Between 8 and 10 minutes gives you a cookie that’s set on the edges but still soft inside.
- Cool before icing: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I like using large bowls to combine ingredients easily without spills.
- Whisk and wooden spoon – these help mix the dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
- Rolling pin – makes it simple to flatten the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter – creates the fun shapes for the cookies.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cooling rack – helps cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy.
- piping bag or small plastic bag with the tip cut off – perfect for decorating with icing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt and drizzle dark chocolate over the cookies for extra richness and visual appeal.
- Additional Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a unique twist on the traditional spice mix.
- Frosting Fun: Use different colored icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make your cookies more festive and colorful.
- Swap the Icing: Try royal icing or cream cheese frosting for different textures and flavors when decorating.
Gingerbread Man Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Icing Decoration:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation, plus 2 hours or more of chilling time, and 8–10 minutes baking per batch. Allow extra time for cooling and decorating your cookies with icing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients:
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, then continue beating until smooth.
3. Combine Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until a dough forms—don’t overmix.
4. Chill the Dough:
Divide dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
5. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
6. Roll and Cut Shapes:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disk to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes, placing them about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are firm but the centers are still a little soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender inside.
8. Cool Down:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
9. Make the Icing:
Mix powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk or water and vanilla extract until smooth and easy to pipe. Add a little more liquid if needed to reach your desired consistency.
10. Decorate Your Cookies:
Use a piping bag or a small spoon to decorate your gingerbread men with icing — draw smiling faces, buttons, and zigzag patterns on the arms and legs. Get creative and have fun!
11. Let the Icing Set:
Allow the decorated cookies to sit at room temperature until the icing hardens, then store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Gingerbread Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after dividing it into disks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting shapes.
How Should I Store Gingerbread Man Cookies?
Store cooled and decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them crispier, add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture.
Can I Substitute Molasses in This Recipe?
If you don’t have molasses, you can try dark corn syrup or honey, but keep in mind the flavor will be less rich and less spicy. Molasses gives gingerbread its classic taste.
What’s the Best Way to Make Icing for Decorating?
Use powdered sugar mixed with a little milk or water and vanilla extract. Adjust the liquid to get a pipeable consistency, thick enough to hold shape but soft enough to squeeze through a piping bag.