Gingerbread ManCookies Recipe

If you’re craving a batch of spiced cookies that practically radiate holiday cheer, these Gingerbread ManCookies are your new go-to treat. With a perfectly balanced medley of warm spices, a touch of molasses, and that signature snap when you bite in, Gingerbread ManCookies transform any day into a festive occasion. Whether you bake them for family traditions, holiday parties, or a solo afternoon project, you’ll love how easily they come together—and how deliciously nostalgic each bite tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Gingerbread ManCookies might look classic, but every element is essential to creating the warm flavor and perfect texture you expect from this festive favorite. Don’t skip or rush any item here; each one brings something special to the party!

• All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy backbone of your dough, giving the cookies structure while staying tender.
• Baking soda: Just a teaspoon, but it’s crucial for that perfect rise without puffing them up too much.
• Ground ginger: The heart and soul of any gingerbread recipe, packing those signature spicy, zesty notes.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and clove that brings cozy complexity.
• Salted sweet cream butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and ensures your cookies are perfectly tender (don’t rush the softening step!).
• Light brown sugar, packed: Offers just the right touch of caramel sweetness, boosting chewiness.
• Unsulphured molasses: For that deep, dark flavor and color—go for unsulphured for the purest taste.
• Large egg, room temperature: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: A splash adds warmth and rounds out the gingerbread flavor.
• Tinted sugar cookie icing: The finishing touch for decorating—use your favorite colors and let your creativity shine!

How to Make Gingerbread ManCookies

Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisking together your flour, baking soda, ground ginger, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures a perfectly even blend of spices in every bite—no surprise clumps of flour!

Step 2: Cream the Butter

With your stand mixer (or a trusty handheld mixer), beat the softened butter on medium-high for about 30 seconds. This step whips in air, promising cookies that bake up light yet with just the right bite.

Step 3: Add Sugar, Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla

Now, add the light brown sugar, all of the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything just until it’s incorporated. This is where the dough really starts to look (and smell!) like classic Gingerbread ManCookies—richly aromatic and beautifully brown.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour your dry ingredients into the bowl and beat on low speed just until everything is melded together. The dough will become thick and maybe a little sticky, but that means it’s perfect for rolling and cutting.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Scoop that gorgeous dough into a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This quick break is essential—chilling helps prevent your Gingerbread ManCookies from spreading too much in the oven and makes rolling them out a breeze.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Out Cookies

Now the fun begins! Preheat your oven to 350°F and prep two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the chilled dough in half for easier handling, and dust your counter (plus rolling pin) with flour. Roll dough to between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick, then press your favorite cookie cutters (classic gingerbread man or any shape you love) into the dough. Place cookies about 2 inches apart on your trays.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your Gingerbread ManCookies for 8 minutes—they’ll puff just a touch and their edges will set. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. Feel free to sneak one warm, but wait until they’re fully cool if you plan to decorate!

Step 8: Decorate

Here comes the creative part! Once completely cool, use your tinted sugar cookie icing (plus sprinkles, candies, or chocolate chips if you’d like) to give your Gingerbread ManCookies their own personality—smiles, scarves, buttons, and all!

How to Serve Gingerbread ManCookies

Garnishes

Small candies, mini chocolate chips, and colored sanding sugars make Gingerbread ManCookies extra adorable. Finish each cookie with piped icing details—think little scarves, hats, or buttons—to bring them to life. Add a dusting of powdered sugar “snow” for extra holiday flair!

Side Dishes

Few things beat the classic pairing of a freshly baked Gingerbread ManCookie with a mug of hot cocoa or chai latte. For a holiday dessert board, nestle them among clementines, chocolate bark, and spiced nuts for a festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Package Gingerbread ManCookies in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon for homemade gift magic, or punch a small hole for an edible ornament. Set up a decorating station at a party for kids (and grown-ups!) to personalize their own cookies—memories guaranteed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gingerbread ManCookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay delightfully soft yet crisp around the edges—perfect for a sweet bite any time of day.

Freezing

Both the unbaked dough and finished cookies freeze beautifully. For the dough, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For baked cookies, layer between sheets of parchment and store in an airtight container—thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste fresh from the oven.

Reheating

Craving that just-baked warmth? Place a few cookies on a baking tray and heat in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. They’ll regain a touch of that freshly-baked magic, perfect for late-night snacking.

FAQs

Can I make Gingerbread ManCookies without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A handheld mixer (or even good old-fashioned elbow grease and a sturdy wooden spoon) works just fine.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries—swap in a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a tiny pinch of cloves or use just cinnamon and nutmeg for a still-delightful cookie.

Can I use different shapes for these cookies?

Yes! Classic gingerbread men are traditional, but feel free to use stars, hearts, or whatever cutter catches your eye—Gingerbread ManCookies are delicious in any form.

How do I keep the cookies from sticking to my counter?

Dust your work surface and rolling pin generously with flour, and lift the dough occasionally while rolling to ensure nothing sticks.

Are Gingerbread ManCookies kid-friendly for baking and decorating?

Absolutely! Kids adore helping with cutting and decorating, and it’s a great way to make kitchen memories—just supervise with hot pans and small candies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a baking project that delivers festive flavor, nostalgia, and creative fun, you can’t beat these Gingerbread ManCookies. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones, gifting, or nibbling them yourself, I hope you dive right in and make this sweet holiday tradition your own.

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