Gingerbread Man Cookies are a classic treat that brings warmth and cheer with every bite. These little cookies are spiced just right with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, giving them that perfect cozy flavor and a touch of sweetness. I love the fun of shaping each cookie into tiny gingerbread people—it’s like baking a whole little cookie family!
I always find that decorating the gingerbread men is half the fun. I like to use simple icing and add little details like buttons, smiles, and even scarves made from colorful candies. It feels like a great way to get creative, especially when kids join in, and the kitchen ends up looking a bit like an adorable cookie workshop.
These cookies make any day feel special, whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. I like to wrap a few up as little gifts or set them out on a festive plate to brighten up the room. Gingerbread Man Cookies truly have a way of bringing smiles and good memories together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the right texture and structure. For a gluten-free option, you can try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend—just make sure it includes xanthan gum for binding.
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create that classic gingerbread flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts or add a pinch of allspice if you like a warmer spice mix.
Molasses: This is key for the deep color and rich flavor. If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup can work, but the flavor will be lighter.
Butter: Unsalted and softened butter helps the dough hold together and adds richness. You can use margarine in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Icing: Powdered sugar with a bit of milk or water makes a simple glaze that’s easy to pipe. Adding vanilla or lemon juice gives a little extra flavor. Use gel food coloring to get bright colors without thinning the icing too much.
How Do I Roll and Cut the Dough Without It Sticking or Cracking?
Rolling out gingerbread dough can be tricky because it’s firm but softens when warm. Here’s how to handle it:
- Chill the dough well before rolling – cold dough is easier to work with and less sticky.
- Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, but don’t overdo it to avoid tough cookies.
- Roll the dough to an even 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- If the dough cracks while rolling, just gently press it back together.
- Dip the cookie cutter in flour before pressing into the dough for clean shapes and easier release.
After cutting, transfer the shapes using a thin spatula to keep them intact, then chill the cut cookies for 10 minutes to help them keep their shape during baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I prefer large ones for whisking dry ingredients and mixing wet ingredients separately, keeping everything organized.
- Measuring cups and spoons – precise measurements help your cookies turn out just right.
- Rolling pin – makes sure your dough is evenly thick for uniform cookies.
- Cookie cutters – a gingerbread man shape adds fun, but you can get creative with other shapes too.
- Baking sheets – choose ones with a rim to prevent dough from sliding off.
- Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Piping bags and tips (optional) – perfect for decorating with icing to add cute details and smiles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks—add these to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
- Orange zest or lemon zest—brightens the spice flavor with a fresh citrus note.
- Almond or coconut flavoring—swap out vanilla for a different hint of flavor.
- Decorate with different candies like tiny gumdrops, peppermint candies, or holiday sprinkles for a festive look.
Gingerbread Man Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Icing and Decorations:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon juice
- Food coloring (red and green recommended)
- Optional: small candy buttons or colored candies
How Much Time Will You Need?
From start to finish, plan for about 3 hours. This includes 15 minutes of prep, 2 hours or more chilling time for the dough, 10 minutes baking time per batch, plus 30 minutes for decorating and icing to set. Chilling the dough is important to keep your cookies from spreading during baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt together until everything is well combined. This gives your dough that perfect spiced flavor.
2. Make The Wet Mixture:
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Then add molasses, the egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and combined.
3. Combine Steps:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms. It should be thick but soft enough to roll.
4. Chill The Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.
5. Prepare To Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking.
6. Roll and Cut Shapes:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a gingerbread man cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
7. Bake The Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be firm but not over-browned. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare The Icing:
Mix powdered sugar with milk or water and vanilla extract or lemon juice until smooth and thick enough to pipe. Divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring to make red and green. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to decorate your gingerbread men with eyes, smiles, cuffs, and buttons. Add candy decorations if you like.
9. Let The Icing Set:
Allow your decorated cookies to sit for at least 30 minutes so the icing hardens a bit before serving or storing.
Enjoy baking and sharing your delicious, festive Gingerbread Man Cookies with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Gingerbread Dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting to maintain the best texture.
How Can I Make The Cookies Softer?
For softer cookies, slightly reduce the baking time by a minute or two and store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.
What’s The Best Way To Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Molasses In This Recipe?
You can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup or honey, but molasses gives the best classic flavor and color. If you use honey, expect a lighter taste and softer texture.