Soft And Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread man cookies are a holiday staple, perfect for both gifting and festive snacking. What makes this particular recipe stand out is the soft, chewy texture combined with a rich blend of spices and sweet glaze. These cookies are ideal for families, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of tea. The chewy consistency ensures they remain fresh longer than crisp cookies, making them perfect for baking ahead of time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Gingerbread Man Cookies

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to review the ingredients that make these gingerbread man cookies so special:

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 Hot Water
• 3/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 3 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Ginger
• 6 Cups All-Purpose Flour

For the Glaze:

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

These ingredients combine to create cookies that are well-balanced in flavor, with just the right hint of spices, and a glaze that adds sweetness and visual appeal.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation

To create these soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies, follow this simple process. Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start, as timing is key in baking!

1. Preparing Your Work Area

Before you begin, it’s important to organize your space. Set out several cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Arrange cooling racks over parchment to catch any glaze drips. Finally, prepare a glass bowl to microwave the dough later if needed.

2. Preparing the Glaze

In a separate bowl, combine 6 cups of powdered sugar, 2/3 cup of milk, and 4 teaspoons of vanilla. Mix until smooth and set it aside. This will allow the glaze to settle while you prepare the cookies.

3. Making the Cookie Dough

In a medium pot over medium heat, combine 1 cup of molasses and 1 cup of butter-flavored shortening. Stir consistently and allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-5 minutes. It’s important not to let the molasses scorch. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

While the molasses and shortening are simmering, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to cream together 1 cup of sugar, 1 large egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Continue mixing until smooth.

In a glass measuring cup, dissolve 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1/2 cup of hot water. Add this mixture to the creamed sugar and egg, and mix on low speed until fully combined.

Next, add in the dry spices: 3/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground ginger, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Blend these into the creamed mixture until well combined.

Finally, pour the hot molasses and shortening mixture into the bowl and mix. Gradually add the 6 cups of flour, beating slowly to avoid a mess. You’ll notice the dough will become very sticky, which is a sign that it’s ready for rolling.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

1. How to Roll the Dough for Best Results

Once your dough is prepared, spray your countertop with nonstick spray. Divide the dough into thirds and work with one portion at a time. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Keeping the dough thick ensures the cookies bake soft and chewy.

2. Best Size and Shape for Gingerbread Men

Using your favorite gingerbread man cookie cutter (small or large), cut out your shapes while the dough is still warm. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps retain the cookie shape. If you prefer bite-sized cookies, opt for smaller cutters. Larger cutters, around 3-4 inches, will need to bake a little longer.

Baking the Cookies to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer your cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets. For smaller cookies (about 1-2 inches), bake for 5 minutes. Medium cookies (3-4 inches) will need 7-8 minutes, and larger cookies will take about 10 minutes.

Keep an eye on the edges; the cookies should be firm, but not overly crisp, for the perfect chewiness.

Glazing the Cookies

Immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven, dip them into the glaze you prepared earlier. The cookies must be hot when you do this so the glaze can coat evenly. Place the glazed cookies on the cooling racks to allow the excess glaze to drip off and for the cookies to set. The glaze will harden slightly, giving the cookies a shiny, smooth finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking – Baking too long will result in dry, hard cookies. Stick to the recommended times based on cookie size.
2. Not working quickly with hot dough – Roll and cut the dough while it’s still warm. If the dough cools too much, it will become harder to manage.
3. Skipping the glaze – The glaze is essential to the flavor and texture of these gingerbread man cookies, so don’t skip this step!

Storing the Gingerbread Man Cookies

Store your gingerbread man cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft. If you plan to freeze them, make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible from the freezer bag before sealing. When stored properly, they will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a festive touch, you can decorate your cookies with icing or sprinkles after glazing. Arrange the cookies on a holiday platter with colorful decorations. They also make a great edible gift when wrapped in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon.

Variations of Gingerbread Man Cookies

If you want to mix things up, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth or using almond extract instead of vanilla in the glaze for a unique flavor twist. You can also experiment with different cookie shapes, such as stars or snowflakes, for added variety.

FAQ

1. Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Shortening helps make the cookies softer, whereas butter may give a crispier edge.

2. What can I do if the dough gets too hard to work with?
You can microwave the dough for 10-15 seconds to soften it if it cools down too much.

3. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Absolutely! Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can last for about 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

There you have it—a complete guide to making the softest, chewiest gingerbread man cookies perfect for any occasion. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious holiday treats!

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