Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, you’ve come to the right place! These Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are not just cookies; they’re little bundles of joy that fill your home with warmth and festive cheer. There’s something so special about their spicy aroma wafting through the kitchen, reminding us of cozy family gatherings and joyful celebrations.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking with family on a chilly afternoon or preparing festive goodies for a holiday party. Plus, kids love getting involved in the decorating process! Trust me, these cookies will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Decorating these gingerbread men is an activity everyone will enjoy. Gather the kids and let their creativity shine!
• Perfect for Sharing: With 60 servings, these cookies are ideal for gifting or bringing to holiday gatherings.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready! Perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies call for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Dough

• 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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment and make it your own. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add some zest: Consider adding orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh twist.
• Change up the spices: Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or allspice to create different flavor profiles.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
• Decorate differently: Instead of traditional icing, use colored sugar or edible glitter for a fun holiday sparkle.

How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine molasses, butter flavored shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly. This base creates that delightful chewy texture we love in gingerbread cookies!

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together baking soda, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients while stirring. This step is crucial because it ensures all those wonderful spices are evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 3: Form the Cookies

Once your dough comes together nicely (it should be slightly sticky), wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking and enhances the flavors.

Step 4: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out portions of chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to shape them into festive gingerbread men! Place them on lined baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes until they’re set but still soft.

Step 5: Decorate and Enjoy!

After cooling completely on wire racks, it’s time to get creative! Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla to make icing. Use this icing to decorate your gingerbread men with colorful designs. Let them dry before serving or storing. Enjoy these chewy delights with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Making cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few helpful tips up your sleeve!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves will enhance the overall flavor of your cookies, making them aromatic and delicious.

• Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped gingerbread men.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be soft to the touch when you take them out of the oven; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Invest in cookie cutters: Using high-quality cookie cutters will make it easier to create uniform shapes and add a professional touch to your gingerbread men.

• Decorate with care: Take your time when decorating! Use icing and candy decorations thoughtfully to create charming designs that will impress family and friends.

How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing during the festive season, whether at holiday parties or cozy gatherings with loved ones. Here are some fun ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A dash of colorful sprinkles can add a festive touch and make your cookies even more appealing.
• Royal Icing: Pipe royal icing onto your cookies for a beautiful finish—this also creates a great surface for adding additional decorations.
• Candy Eyes: Use small candy eyes to give your gingerbread men character! They’re simple yet effective for creating adorable cookie faces.

Side Dishes

• Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink pairs perfectly with gingerbread cookies, enhancing their warm flavors.
• Hot Cocoa: A rich cup of hot cocoa complements the spices in the cookies beautifully, making for a cozy pairing.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a light contrast to the sweet and spiced flavors of the gingerbread men, balancing out your dessert spread.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that play well against the sweetness of the cookies—a unique twist that guests will love!

Enjoy these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies during the holiday season or any time you crave something sweet and comforting!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors throughout the holiday season. You can bake them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment, making your celebrations even sweeter!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they’re well-sealed.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To bring back the soft texture, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies.

Can I make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies vegan?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based shortening instead of butter-flavored shortening.

How do I achieve the perfect chewy texture in my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies?

To ensure your cookies are chewy, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven as soon as they look set but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier twist, but it may yield a denser cookie. Consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.

How long do Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay delicious for up to a week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies! They not only fill your home with delightful aromas but also create wonderful memories with friends and family during the holiday season. Enjoy every bite, and feel free to share your creations with loved ones – there’s nothing quite like homemade cookies to spread cheer!