Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the warmth of the holiday season to your kitchen, then these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are just what you need! This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and every bite feels like a hug from Grandma. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, these cookies not only taste incredible but also fill your home with the most wonderful aroma.

What I love about this recipe is how it combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re decorating them with your kids or sharing them at holiday parties, these cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer. Let’s dive into the magic of making these delicious Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Family-friendly fun: Decorating these cookies is a delightful activity for kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for gifting: Wrap them up with a bow, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift!
• Deliciously spiced flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a cozy taste that everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies is all about using wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

For the 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tailor it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations you might try:

• Add some zest: Mix in some orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Change the spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a friendly option.
• Decorate differently: Use colored icing or sprinkles to create festive designs!

How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the molasses, butter flavored shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the dough, ensuring your cookies will be delightfully chewy!

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and flour. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients along with hot water. Stir until everything is well combined. This process allows all those lovely spices to infuse throughout the dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling helps enhance the flavors and makes rolling out easier later on.

Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Shapes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out portions of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create adorable gingerbread men shapes! This part is so much fun; let your creativity shine!

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Place your cutouts on ungreased baking sheets and bake for about 8-10 minutes until they are firm but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can make them too crunchy!

Step 6: Decorate!

Once cooled, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla to create an icing. Get creative! Use piping bags or simply drizzle it over each cookie. Decorating these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies is half the fun!

Now that you have this cherished recipe in hand, I hope you enjoy making these delightful cookies as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some tips to ensure your Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves will enhance the flavor of your cookies. Old spices can lose their potency, resulting in less flavorful cookies.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This keeps them chewy and maintains their shape.
• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven; they will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies!
• Experiment with shapes: While traditional gingerbread men are festive, feel free to use different cookie cutters for various shapes like stars or hearts. It adds a personal touch and makes them even more fun!
• Decorate with love: Encourage creativity in decorating your cookies! Using colorful icing or sprinkles can turn each cookie into a masterpiece, making them not just tasty but also visually appealing.

How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

These Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season or any festive gathering. Here are some delightful ideas on how to present them.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a sweet touch and enhances that warm spice aroma.
• Edible glitter: For a whimsical flair, consider adding edible glitter to your icing decorations. It makes your cookies sparkle and shine!

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A steaming mug of hot cocoa is a classic pairing that complements the spiced flavors of gingerbread perfectly. Add some whipped topping for an extra treat!
• Eggnog (non-alcoholic): This creamy, spiced beverage is a holiday favorite that pairs wonderfully with gingerbread cookies, enhancing their festive spirit.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of gingerbread. Consider using seasonal fruits like apples and pears for a delightful crunch.
• Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly sharp cheddar or creamy brie, offers a savory balance alongside sweet cookies. It’s an unexpected pairing that guests will love!

Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies! They’re bound to bring smiles and warmth to any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are not only delightful to bake but also perfect for making ahead of time. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or just want to have some sweet treats on hand, these cookies store exceptionally well.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
• If you want to maintain their chewiness, layer them with parchment paper.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• For warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you with your baking adventure!

Can I make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water). Let it sit until thickened.

How do I get my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies to hold their shape?

Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting out shapes helps maintain their form while baking.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and make these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies even healthier. Just keep an eye on the texture; you might need slightly less liquid.

What decorations can I use for my gingerbread men?

Feel free to get creative! Use icing made from powdered sugar and milk, or decorate with candy like chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies is not just about creating delicious treats; it’s about sharing joy and warmth with loved ones during the festive season. I hope this recipe brings a smile to your face as much as it does mine! Enjoy making them, and don’t hesitate to invite family or friends into the kitchen—baking is always more fun together. Happy baking!