Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Their soft texture and rich, spiced flavor make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, they can be decorated in various fun ways, making them ideal for festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Decoration: Use icing or edible decorations to make each cookie unique and festive for any occasion.
• Great for Sharing: With 60 servings, these cookies are perfect for sharing at parties or giving as gifts.
• Family Fun Activity: Decorating gingerbread men can be a fun family activity during the holidays.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your baking experience is smooth, gather the necessary tools before you start. This will help you stay organized and focused while making your Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Baking sheets: These provide an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Cookie cutters: Using different shapes adds creativity to your cookie-making process.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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 the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine molasses, butter flavored shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, and ginger. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Pour in hot water and mix until a dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This will help it firm up for easier rolling.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, take small portions of dough and roll them out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the cut-out cookies onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are firm but center is still soft.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

While cookies cool down, prepare icing by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth. Decorate cooled cookies as desired!

How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests and family members alike.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange several Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies alongside other holiday cookies for a vibrant display. Add colorful sprinkles or icing decorations for extra flair.

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Serve these cookies warm with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider. The combination enhances the ginger and spice flavors.

Holiday Gift Bags

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with festive ribbons. They make excellent homemade gifts for friends and neighbors during the holiday season.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and edible markers. Allow guests, especially kids, to personalize their own Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies for added fun.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This treats adds a delightful twist to traditional cookie serving.

How to Perfect Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

To ensure your Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use fresh spices: Spices like cinnamon and ginger lose their potency over time. Fresh spices will enhance the flavor of your cookies significantly.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill in the fridge helps it hold its shape during baking, resulting in beautifully shaped cookies.

• Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Removing the cookies when they are still soft will yield a chewier texture.

• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dryness.

• Experiment with decorations: Get creative with royal icing or edible glitter to bring your gingerbread men to life and make them visually appealing!

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some tasty options:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy frosting that balances the sweetness of cookies beautifully. Spread it on top for added richness.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate after enjoying spiced cookies, providing a light contrast.

3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar offer a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with chewy cookies.

4. Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a bar with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and candy canes for guests to customize their hot chocolate alongside their cookies.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and berries create a wholesome side dish that contrasts well with sweet gingerbread flavors.

6. Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Crisp apple slices paired with smooth caramel add sweetness and crunch, creating a delightful combination with gingerbread cookies.

7. Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses that provide savory notes to balance out the sweetness of the cookies—sharp cheddar works particularly well!

8. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds comforting spice that complements the flavors of gingerbread while providing cozy warmth on chilly days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies, certain pitfalls can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Boldly skip the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to sticky cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least an hour for better shaping.

• Boldly ignore measurements: Using inaccurate measurements can ruin your cookies. Always use dry measuring cups for flour and a liquid measuring cup for molasses and water.

• Boldly rush the baking time: Overbaking will make your cookies hard instead of chewy. Stick to the recommended baking time of 10 minutes and check for doneness.

• Boldly overlook ingredient freshness: Using old spices or expired baking soda can dull flavors. Ensure all ingredients are fresh for that rich gingerbread taste.

• Boldly forget about cooling completely: Decorating warm cookies can lead to a messy outcome. Allow your cookies to cool completely before icing them.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container; 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 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Bold Stovetop: Use a skillet with low heat, cover, and warm gently for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies chewy?

The combination of butter-flavored shortening and proper baking time gives these cookies their delightful chewiness.

Can I customize my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for different flavors and textures.

How should I decorate my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies?

Royal icing or simple powdered sugar glaze works well. Feel free to add candies or sprinkles for fun designs!

How do I know when my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are done?

Look for a lightly golden edge; they will continue to firm up while cooling.

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

Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are not only festive but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different toppings or flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy delicious holiday treats with family and friends!