This classic gingerbread men recipe will bring joy and deliciousness to your kitchen. These cute and festive cookies are made with a mix of warm spices that complement the sweet and buttery flavor. The dough is easy to work with, allowing you to shape the cookies into adorable gingerbread men. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a tasty treat. Gather your little chefs and have a blast decorating these edible characters that will delight everyone.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorative icing and candies for decoration
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using gingerbread men cookie cutters, cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake the gingerbread men cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, decorate the gingerbread men cookies using decorative icing and candies.
- Let the icing set before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.
