Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
These soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies are infused with warm spices, making them a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings and family traditions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 375 grams all-purpose flour The foundation of any good cookie, providing a light and chewy base.
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger This spice infuses each cookie with a warm, zesty kick.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon For that aromatic sweetness that dances on your palate.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves Adds a unique depth of flavor that complements the ginger.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda A leavening agent ensuring your cookies rise perfectly.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- 115 grams unsalted butter, softened Creamy and rich, it gives the cookies a lovely texture.
- 110 grams brown sugar, packed Provides moisture and a sweetness that pairs beautifully with spices.
- 120 millilitres molasses Essential for that classic gingerbread taste, adding robust flavor.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder, bringing all the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For a hint of floral sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.
Decoration
- royal icing for decoration (optional) Available for those who enjoy a little artistic flair on their cookies.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt until they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until you achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture, blending until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Baking
- On a floured work surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 6 millimeters.
- Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Arrange the shaped dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set.
Cooling & Decorating
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, decorate with royal icing if desired.
Notes
Chill the dough overnight for the best flavor development. Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom. Set up a decorating station for family fun.