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Gingerbread men cookies with white icing decoration on rustic wooden board in warm natural kitchen light.

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Classic gingerbread men cookies made with warming spices and molasses. Soft with crisp edges, perfect for decorating — a wholesome holiday favorite.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingrédients
  

  • For the Cookies
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For Simple Icing Optional
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk or almond milk
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Medium bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Gingerbread man cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • - Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and coconut sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add Molasses: Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until dough forms.
  5. Chill: Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 1 hour.
  6. Preheat Oven: Set to 350 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll & Cut: Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut gingerbread men shapes with cookie cutter.
  8. Bake: Place cookies 2 inches apart on sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are firm.
  9. Cool & Decorate: Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to rack. Decorate with icing once cool.

Notes

Use unsulfured molasses for best flavor and nutrition.
Substitute half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
Add orange zest for a citrus note.
Freeze dough for up to 3 months before rolling.
Use raisins or dark chocolate chips for decorating naturally.