Description
Discover the secrets to perfectly soft and chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies that melt in your mouth. This easy-to-follow recipe includes royal icing, glaze icing, and buttercream frosting options.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1 cup molasses I like Grandma’s brand don’t use blackstrap
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 & 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup meringue powder or 3 egg whites see notes
- 4 cups powdered sugar about 1 pound
- 6 tablespoons warm water omit if using egg whites
- gel food coloring optional
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 6–7 tablespoons milk or more as necessary
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 batch Buttercream Frosting
- gel food coloring optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, add 1 cup slightly softened butter and beat for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup dark brown sugar and beat for another 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add 1 cup molasses and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.
- Spoon and level 4 cups flour and add to the bowl.
- Make a well in the flour and add 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice. Stir the spices into the flour to break up clumps.
- Mix dry ingredients into the dough on low speed until combined, scraping the bowl edges. Do not over mix.
- Divide dough into 3, wrap in plastic, and chill for 2 hours until firm.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
- Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll one dough disc to 3/8 inch thickness.
- Dip cookie cutter in flour and cut out cookies. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 minutes until done. Cool before decorating as desired.
Notes
- Softened butter ensures easy mixing
- Use dark or light molasses but not blackstrap for best flavor
- Chill dough well for easier rolling and cleaner cuts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 306 kcal