Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that brings warmth and cheer to any festive gathering. With their rich flavors and delightful aroma, these cookies not only taste divine but also make for wonderful decorations. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion party or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies will surely impress everyone. Their chewy texture and spicy sweetness set them apart from typical cookies, making them a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to create delicious cookies with ease.
• Perfect for Decorating: The dough holds its shape well, making these cookies ideal for decorating with icing and sprinkles.
• Festive Flavor: A blend of spices like cinnamon and ginger gives these cookies their signature holiday taste.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or package them as gifts; they are great for any occasion!
• Batch-Friendly: This recipe yields 60 cookies—perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying throughout the season.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results in texture and flavor.
• Baking sheets: A sturdy surface ensures even baking while preventing sticking, leading to perfectly shaped cookies.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Cookie 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

How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot when you’re ready to bake your cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the molasses, butter flavored shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
2. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the following to your wet mixture:
1. Baking soda, hot water, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and flour.
2. Stir well until a dough forms.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface:
1. Divide the dough into manageable portions for rolling.
2. Use a rolling pin to roll out each portion to about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 5: Cut Out Cookies

Using cookie cutters:
1. Cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough.
2. Place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in preheated oven:
1. For about 10 minutes or until edges are firm.
2. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks.

Step 7: Prepare Icing

In another bowl:
1. Combine powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more powdered sugar or milk.

Step 8: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Use icing to decorate your gingerbread men as desired.
2. Let the icing set before serving or packaging.

Enjoy your deliciously chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies! They are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations!

How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are perfect for sharing and celebrating the holiday spirit. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that can enhance your festive gatherings.

With Hot Beverages

• Pair with Hot Cocoa: The rich flavors of hot cocoa complement the spices in the cookies.
• Enjoy with Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea balances the sweetness of the gingerbread men.

As Festive Decorations

• Decorate Your Table: Place cookies on a colorful platter to brighten up your holiday table.
• Hang on the Tree: Use a ribbon to hang gingerbread men as charming ornaments.

For Gift Giving

• Wrap in Cellophane: Present cookies wrapped in cellophane and tied with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
• Include a Recipe Card: Share the joy by attaching a recipe card for others to recreate these delightful treats.

How to Perfect Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Creating the perfect Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for a delightful batch every time.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance flavor and aroma, making your cookies more vibrant.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can alter texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
• Decorate After Cooling: Make sure cookies are completely cool before decorating to prevent icing from melting.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their festive flavors. Here are some delicious options.

1. Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider enhance the ginger flavor of the cookies.
2. Cream Cheese Frosting: This sweet and tangy frosting is perfect for spreading or dipping.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to your sweet treats.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of gingerbread into warm chocolate for an indulgent experience.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit, then serve alongside cookies for a delightful treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies can be delightful, but there are some common mistakes that can ruin your baking experience.

• Bold Flavoring: Using too much or too little spice can change the flavor. Stick to the amounts specified for a perfect balance.
• Bold Flour Measurement: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to using too much. Always spoon it into your measuring cup and level off with a knife.
• Bold Butter Temperature: If your shortening is too cold, it won’t mix well. Allow it to soften at room temperature before mixing.
• Bold Overbaking: Baking cookies longer than needed makes them hard. Watch closely and take them out when they are just set.
• Bold Skipping Cooling Time: Not letting cookies cool completely can make icing runny. Allow cookies to cool on racks before decorating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• For best results, layer cookies with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• For frozen dough, shape into cookies, then freeze until solid before transferring to a bag.

Reheating Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Place a pan on low heat and cover with a lid, warming cookies for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I get my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies soft?

To ensure your cookies remain soft, do not overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as they appear set.

Can I use different spices in my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice, but keep the main ginger flavor intact for authenticity.

What can I use instead of shortening?

You can substitute butter or a plant-based alternative if desired; however, this may slightly alter the texture of your cookies.

How long will my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature and even longer in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are a festive treat that everyone will love. They offer versatility in flavors and decorations, allowing you to customize them according to your taste. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated with icing, these cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering. Give this recipe a try and share the joy of baking!

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Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 60 cookies 1x

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Description

Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are the ultimate festive treat that encapsulates the warmth of the holiday season. With their delightful chewy texture and a perfect blend of spices, these cookies are not only delicious but also fun to decorate! Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home, they bring joy to everyone who tastes them. The easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these charming cookies. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven with a cup of hot cocoa or beautifully decorated as gifts, Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup butter flavored shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 6 cups flour
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 2/3 cup milk
• 4 teaspoons vanilla

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine molasses, butter flavored shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
3. Add baking soda, hot water, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and flour; stir well until a dough forms.
4. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
5. Place cutouts on baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are firm.
6. Let cool on wire racks before decorating with icing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Holiday

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie - approx. 25g
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: <5mg

Keywords: For added flavor depth, use freshly ground spices. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking. Make sure cookies are completely cool before icing to maintain shape.