Go Back
A variety of gingerbread man cookies decorated with colorful icing, sprinkles, and small candies, arranged on a baking sheet with a piping bag nearby.

How To Make Perfect Gingerbread Man Cookies: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings 1 Cookie
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Frosting candy decorations, or sprinkles for decorating

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  • Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
  • Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  • Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Decorate: Once the cookies are cooled, decorate with icing and candies if desired.

Notes

  • torage: Store gingerbread cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer shelf life, freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Flavor Adjustments: Add more cinnamon or ginger for a spicier kick, or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for extra flavor.
  • Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky after chilling, dust with a little extra flour before rolling out.
QR Code linking back to recipe