Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to make your holiday season a little sweeter, these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are just the thing! This recipe has been passed down through my family, and every bite reminds me of joyful gatherings filled with laughter and love. They’re perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive cookie decorating parties with the kids. Trust me, once you take that first chewy bite, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in my heart.

These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to whip up. Plus, they fill your kitchen with the warmest aroma of spices that will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have dough ready to bake in no time.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Decorating these cookies is an activity everyone can enjoy together!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or an afternoon snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices creates a warm, comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies is part of the fun! You’ll find they’re simple and wholesome—perfect for creating those delightful cookies. Here’s what you need:

For the Cookies:

• 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

One of the best things about these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies is how flexible they can be! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing twist.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice for added flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Make them extra special by adding a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
• Nutty Goodness: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, begin by combining the molasses, butter flavored shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mixing these wet ingredients first helps create a smooth base for your cookie dough. Ensure everything is well-blended so that flavors meld beautifully during baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and flour. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout your dough. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Hot Water

Next, pour in the hot water carefully. This will help activate the baking soda and create that delightful chewy texture we all love in gingerbread cookies. Mix until everything comes together into a soft dough.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes later on. Plus, it enhances the flavors as they meld while cooling!

Step 5: Roll and Cut Shapes

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create fun gingerbread shapes! Don’t forget to place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they start to firm up around the edges but remain soft in the middle. Let them cool slightly before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 7: Decorate!

While your cookies are cooling completely, prepare your icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once cooled, let your creativity shine! Decorate each cookie with icing—add sprinkles or edible decorations if you like.

And there you have it! A batch of Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies that will surely spread joy this holiday season. Enjoy every moment spent baking—and eating—these delightful treats!

Pro Tips for Making Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Making the perfect chewy gingerbread man cookies is all about technique and a little love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter-flavored shortening and sugar combine more easily, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking, giving you those adorable cookie shapes.
• Don’t over-bake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch more cinnamon or ginger can give your cookies a delightful twist!
• Decorate with creativity: Use icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to make your gingerbread men unique and festive. Let your personality shine through in your decorations!

How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Serving these delightful chewy gingerbread man cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some creative ideas to make your presentation pop.

Garnishes

• Colorful icing: Drizzle some vibrant icing over the cookies for a festive touch that adds both color and flavor.
• Edible glitter: Sprinkle a little edible glitter on top of the icing to give a magical sparkle that’s sure to impress everyone.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. The chocolate complements the spicy sweetness of the gingerbread perfectly.
• Spiced Apple Cider: A steaming mug of spiced apple cider adds warmth and enhances the holiday spirit, making it an excellent companion to your cookies.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these gingerbread men alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing counterbalance to the rich flavors of the cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

By following these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll create an inviting atmosphere that celebrates this classic holiday treat. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors throughout the holiday season. Making a batch ahead of time ensures you have delicious treats ready for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last two weeks.
• If you want to maintain their chewy texture, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight freezer bag or container, stacking them with parchment paper between layers if desired.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
• For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies.

Can I make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies without molasses?

While molasses is key to achieving that distinct flavor and chewy texture, you can use dark corn syrup as an alternative. However, this may slightly alter the taste.

How do I decorate my Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies?

Decorating these cookies is part of the fun! Use icing made from powdered sugar and milk to pipe designs. You can also add colorful sprinkles or candies to bring your gingerbread creations to life!

What makes these Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies different from other recipes?

These cookies stand out because of their soft and chewy texture combined with rich spices. The use of butter-flavored shortening helps achieve that perfect balance of flavor and moisture that’s hard to resist!

How long do Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or even longer if refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! There’s something truly special about baking Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies – they fill your home with delightful aromas and create cherished memories. Enjoy whipping up a batch (or two!) this holiday season, and don’t forget to share them with loved ones. Happy baking!