Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the warmth of the holiday season into your kitchen, then these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are just what you need! This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years, and it never fails to bring smiles during our festive gatherings. The rich spices and soft texture make them perfect for cozy evenings or as a fun activity with kids.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply want to brighten up a busy weeknight, these cookies are sure to do the trick. Plus, they make wonderful gifts when decorated with love. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly and great for baking with family.
• Flavorful Spices: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a warm aroma that will fill your home with holiday cheer.
• Fun to Decorate: Get creative! You can let your imagination run wild while decorating these cookies with icing and sprinkles.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While they shine during the holidays, these cookies are delicious year-round. Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or dessert!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready—perfect for busy schedules!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! These simple, wholesome ingredients are easy to find and come together beautifully in this recipe.

For the Cookies

• 1 Cup Molasses (Grandma’s brand)
• 1 Cup Butter Flavored Shortening
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Large Egg
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
• 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
• 1/2 Cup Water (hot)
• 3/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 3 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Ginger (ground)
• 6 Cups Flour

For the Icing

• 6 Cups Powdered Sugar
• 2/3 Cups Milk
• 4 teaspoons Vanilla

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to put your spin on it! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, mix in some chocolate chips before baking.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those avoiding gluten.
• Spice It Up: Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the other spices.
• Use Different Shapes: Instead of gingerbread men, use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars or trees!

How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by combining the molasses, butter flavored shortening, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. This creamy mixture sets the base for your cookies. The molasses adds depth of flavor and that signature chewy texture we all love!

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla to the mixture. Beat well until everything is combined smoothly. Next, dissolve the baking soda in hot water and add it to your bowl. This step is crucial because it helps activate the baking soda for that perfect rise in your cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Spices and Flour

Now it’s time to add your spices: ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, and ginger. Stir these aromatic spices into your dough until evenly mixed. Gradually add flour until everything comes together into a soft dough. Don’t worry if it’s sticky; that’s what makes them chewy!

Step 4: Chill and Shape Your Cookies

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least an hour. Chilling makes it easier to handle when rolling out later. Once chilled, roll out sections of dough on a floured surface about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes; place them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Away!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you arrange your cookie shapes on the baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes or until they look firm but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool!

Step 6: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cooled completely, whip up some icing using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Decorate your cookies however you’d like—let those creative juices flow!

Enjoy making these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies! They’re sure to become a cherished tradition in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Making chewy gingerbread man cookies is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter flavored shortening and egg helps to create a smoother batter, resulting in better texture and flavor distribution.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser cookie instead of the soft chewiness we love.
• Chill the Dough: For added ease when rolling out the dough, chill it for about 30 minutes. This makes it less sticky and easier to handle, which helps you achieve those adorable cookie shapes!
• Adjust Baking Time for Your Oven: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at around 8 minutes to avoid over-baking. You want them firm on the edges but still soft in the center when they come out.
• Decorate with Love: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your icing decorations! Using colorful icing or festive sprinkles can make your gingerbread men even more appealing, especially for holiday gatherings.

How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

These chewy gingerbread man cookies not only taste fantastic but also look charming on any dessert table. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of festive red and green or white sugar adds a touch of holiday cheer.
• Icing: Use royal icing to outline and fill in your cookies for beautiful designs that bring them to life.
• Edible Glitter: For an extra sparkle, lightly dust some edible glitter over the icing before it sets.

Side Dishes

• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of rich hot chocolate pairs perfectly with these cookies, creating a cozy winter treat that everyone will love.
• Eggnog (Non-Dairy): A creamy non-dairy eggnog brings a festive twist to your cookie serving and complements their spiced flavors wonderfully.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookies—a great way to balance flavors during holiday feasts.
• Spiced Tea: A warm brew of spiced tea enhances the gingerbread’s flavors while providing a comforting beverage option.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your chewy gingerbread man cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering this holiday season! Enjoy baking and sharing them with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent treat to have on hand during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or just for yourself, knowing how to store and freeze them can help you enjoy this delightful recipe anytime.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For better freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their chewy texture.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies into zip-top bags, squeezing out as much air as possible; label with the date.
• Cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, giving them that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers might have about Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies.

How do I make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies softer?

To ensure your Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies stay soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove from the oven when they just begin to firm up but are still slightly underbaked in the center.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a nuttier flavor and increase fiber content while maintaining the cookie’s chewyness.

What can I use instead of butter-flavored shortening?

If you prefer not to use butter-flavored shortening, you can substitute it with coconut oil or another plant-based shortening. Just ensure it is solid at room temperature for best results.

How do I decorate my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies?

You can use royal icing made with powdered sugar and water or simple icing made with milk and powdered sugar. Add colorful sprinkles or edible decorations for a festive touch!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies as much as I do! They bring warmth and joy during the holiday season, filling your home with delightful aromas that evoke sweet memories. Don’t hesitate to try different decorations and share them with friends and family—these cookies are meant to be enjoyed by everyone! Happy baking!