Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season and beyond. Their warm spices and chewy texture make them a favorite among cookie lovers. Whether you’re celebrating special occasion, enjoying a winter gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies stand out for their rich flavor and festive charm. Their versatility allows for fun decorating activities with kids, making them an ideal addition to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like cinnamon and ginger creates a warm and inviting taste that is perfect for the holidays.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, these cookies are accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Decorating: These cookies are perfect for creative decorating with icing and candies, adding a fun element to your baking experience.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them in festive boxes or tins to share with friends and family as delightful homemade gifts.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them fresh from the oven or as part of a dessert platter; they complement many flavors.
Tools and Preparation
To make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Gathering these items before you start will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets: Ensure even baking and prevent cookies from sticking when lined with parchment paper.
- Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps in mixing ingredients without spills and ensures better organization.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right texture and flavor in your cookies.
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). This is an important step to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. The molasses,
2. Butter flavored shortening,
3. Sugar,
4. Egg,
5. Vanilla.
Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together:
1. Baking soda,
2. Ground cloves,
3. Cinnamon,
4. Salt,
5. Ground ginger.
Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while continuously stirring until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Flour and Water
Add hot water to the mixture followed by flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until you achieve a soft dough.
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape your gingerbread men.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the shaped cookies onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks before decorating with icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla mixed until smooth.
Enjoy sharing your Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies with family and friends during this festive season!
How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are a festive delight that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
Festive Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter for a cheerful presentation during holiday gatherings.
Milk Pairing
- Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that enhances the flavors of the gingerbread.
Holiday Gift Bags
- Package the cookies in decorative bags as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family during the season.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a fun twist.
Cookie Decorating Station
- Set up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles, allowing guests, especially kids, to personalize their cookies.
How to Perfect Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Achieving the perfect Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before rolling. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for vibrant flavors. Old spices can dull the taste of your cookies.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the scoop and level method to measure flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Check Oven Temperature: Verify your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure even baking results.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underdone. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
Best Side Dishes for Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies can enhance your festive spread. Here are some delightful options.
- Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy hot chocolate complements the spices in gingerbread beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a splash of color and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Spiced Tea: Serve spiced tea or chai for a warm, aromatic beverage that pairs well with ginger flavors.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses like brie or cheddar, which create a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
- Roasted Nuts: A bowl of lightly salted roasted nuts provides crunch and a salty flavor that offsets cookie sweetness.
- Candied Citrus Peel: These add a zesty touch and enhance the overall holiday theme while being easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking chewy gingerbread man cookies is a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Bold ingredient choices: Using the wrong type of flour can alter the texture. Always use all-purpose flour for the best results.
- Bold overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft and chewy texture.
- Bold incorrect oven temperature: Baking at a temperature that’s too low can cause flat cookies. Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C).
- Bold skipping the chill time: Not allowing the dough to chill will result in cookies that spread too much. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Bold neglecting measurements: Accurate measurements are key. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Bold Microwave: Heat individual cookies in 10-15 second intervals until warm.
- Bold Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, covered, to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about chewy gingerbread man cookies.
How do I make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies softer?
For softer cookies, reduce the baking time by a minute or two and ensure not to overbake them.
Can I add decorations to my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies?
Yes! Feel free to use icing, sprinkles, or candy decorations for added fun and flair.
What spices complement Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies best?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves work wonderfully together to enhance the flavor profile of these cookies.
How should I store Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
Chewy gingerbread man cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and decorations as you wish. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious treat!
Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies, a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These cookies, characterized by their warm spices and chewy texture, are not only a favorite among cookie lovers but also a perfect choice for creative holiday activities. Whether you’re baking for a winter gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Enjoy decorating them with icing and candies, making it a fun experience for the whole family. Plus, they make excellent homemade gifts packed in festive boxes or tins!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Molasses
- 1 Cup Butter Flavored Shortening
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 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
- 6 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2/3 Cups Milk
- 4 teaspoons Vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and ginger; combine with wet ingredients.
- Gradually add hot water and flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface; cut shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake on parchment-lined sheets for about 10 minutes until edges are firm.
- Allow to cool before decorating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg