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- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 2 teaspoons ground ginger - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon ground cloves - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - ¾ cup packed brown sugar - 1 large egg, at room temperature - ½ cup unsulfured molasses - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar (for decoration) - Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional for a festive touch) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making soft gingerbread man cookies. You want to start with all-purpose flour as your base. It gives the cookies their structure. Baking soda helps them rise and become soft. The ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves give the cookies that warm, spicy flavor we all love. Don't forget the salt; it balances the sweetness. For the wet mix, use unsalted butter at room temperature. This makes it easy to cream with brown sugar. The brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor. The egg binds everything together, while molasses brings a deep, sweet taste. Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. For decoration, powdered sugar is perfect for a sweet glaze. You can also use sprinkles or other edible decorations to make your cookies festive. These ingredients will transform your kitchen into a holiday wonderland! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 2 teaspoons ground ginger - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon ground cloves - ½ teaspoon salt Mix these well and set aside to let the spices blend. Next, let’s cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat together: - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened - ¾ cup packed brown sugar Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. You want it light and fluffy. Now, combine the wet ingredients. Add: - 1 large egg, at room temperature - ½ cup unsulfured molasses - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Beat until smooth and glossy. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter-sugar mix. Stir gently until you form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix. Divide the dough into two equal discs. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Chill them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. You can chill them overnight for even better flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to stop sticking. Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface. Aim for about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread man shapes. Carefully place the cut-out cookies onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between them since they will spread. Bake for 8-10 minutes. The edges should feel firm, but the centers will be soft. Don’t overbake them for the best texture. After baking, cool the cookies on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they are cool, mix powdered sugar with a little water to make a smooth glaze. Decorate the cookies with this glaze and add sprinkles if you like. Chilling the dough is key for soft gingerbread man cookies. When you chill the dough, it firms up. This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking. If you skip this step, the cookies may spread too much. Aim for at least one hour in the fridge. Avoiding overmixing is also important. When you mix the dough, stop once it comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. This keeps the cookies soft and chewy. For even baking, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature. This ensures the cookies bake evenly. Also, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. Adjust the baking time based on cookie size. Smaller cookies bake faster, while larger ones take longer. Keep an eye on them. When the edges are firm and the centers are soft, they are ready. To prepare the glaze, mix powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of water. Stir until it is smooth and easy to drizzle. This glaze adds a sweet touch to your cookies. Get creative with decorations! Use sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored icing. You can even use small candies for eyes and buttons. Let your imagination shine through. Each cookie can have its own unique look! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavor but also makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh ground spices rather than pre-ground ones, as they lose potency over time. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be firm around the edges but still soft in the center for the perfect texture. Decorate with Care: Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting and losing its shape. {{image_4}} You can make your soft gingerbread man cookies even more fun by adding chocolate chips. Just fold in about 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips when you mix the dough. This adds a rich, sweet twist that kids love. Another idea is to try different spices. While ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are classic, you might add nutmeg or cardamom. Experimenting with spices can create a unique taste. You can even reduce the ginger and increase the cinnamon for a warmer flavor. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in cookie recipes. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum. This helps the cookies hold together. If you prefer vegan options, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg, made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let this sit for a few minutes to thicken. Decorating your cookies can be a delightful activity. You can create holiday-themed decorations using colored icing and sprinkles. Consider using red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for spring. For seasonal variations, think about different shapes and colors. Use heart shapes for Valentine’s Day or pumpkin shapes for Halloween. This adds fun and creativity to your baking and makes each batch special. To keep your soft gingerbread man cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This locks in moisture and flavor. You can layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For best results, keep them at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. You can freeze both unbaked and baked cookies. For unbaked cookies, shape them and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. For baked cookies, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or bag before freezing. To thaw, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature. Unbaked cookies can go straight into the oven, adding a few minutes to the bake time. Enjoy your delightful holiday treat whenever you like! To make soft gingerbread cookies, follow these tips: - Use room-temperature butter. It helps create a creamy mix. - Add enough molasses for moisture. This gives cookies a soft bite. - Chill the dough for at least an hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape. - Don’t overbake. Bake until edges are firm, but centers are soft. These steps ensure your cookies turn out chewy and soft, perfect for the holidays! Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar. Brown sugar adds a richer flavor. It also makes the cookies moister. You will notice a slight difference in color and taste. Brown sugar gives a deeper, caramel-like note. This enhances the overall gingerbread experience. If your dough is too sticky, here are some solutions: - Dust your work surface with extra flour. This helps when rolling out the dough. - Chill the dough longer. Cold dough is easier to handle. - Avoid adding too much flour. This can make cookies dry. These tips will help you manage sticky dough and enjoy baking! You’ve learned how to make delicious cookies from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to ensure great results. You now know about flavor variations and how to store or freeze your cookies. Remember, the key to perfect cookies lies in chilling the dough and knowing your baking times. Try these recipes and methods to impress your friends and family. Enjoy your baking adventures and make sweet memories!

Gingerbread Delight Cookies

Festive cookies perfect for the holiday season, flavored with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 0.5 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for decoration)
  • 1 serving sprinkles or edible decorations (optional for a festive touch)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the room-temperature egg, unsulfured molasses, and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated and the mixture is glossy.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft and cohesive dough forms. Take care not to overmix.
  • Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for an even richer flavor).
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread man shapes and any other desired forms.
  • Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is sufficient space between each for spreading during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm to the touch and the centers remain slightly soft. Be mindful not to overbake for the best texture.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once the cookies are fully cooled, prepare a glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of water until smooth and drizzleable. Use this glaze to decorate the cookies, adding sprinkles or other edible decorations for an extra festive flair if desired.

Notes

Refrigerating the dough enhances the flavor. Decorate with glaze and sprinkles for a festive touch.
Keyword cookies, gingerbread, holiday