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Homemade gingerbread men cookie cooling on a rack after baking, decorated with white icing and candy buttons.

Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Soft, chewy gingerbread men cookies made with molasses, brown sugar, and warm spices — perfect for holiday baking and decorating.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Holiday Cookies
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups All-purpose flour Sifted
  • 1 tablespoon Ground ginger Freshly ground preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Adds warmth
  • 0.25 teaspoon Cloves Optional for stronger spice
  • 0.125 teaspoon Black pepper Enhances depth
  • 0.75 cup Molasses Unsulfured
  • 0.5 cup Brown sugar Packed
  • 0.25 cup Granulated sugar Optional for balance
  • 0.75 cup Butter Softened
  • 1 large Egg Room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda For lift
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt Balances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds aroma

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl For creaming butter and sugar
  • 1 Medium mixing bowl For dry ingredients
  • 1 Whisk or electric mixer Mix until light and fluffy
  • 1 Rolling pin Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness
  • 2 Baking sheets Line with parchment paper
  • 1 Wire cooling rack Cool cookies completely
  • 1 Rubber spatula To fold ingredients
  • 1 set Measuring cups and spoons For accuracy
  • As needed Gingerbread men cookie cutters Choose your favorite size

Method
 

  1. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
  2. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vanilla, and molasses; mix well.
  4. Fold dry mix into wet mix; form dough.
  5. Chill dough for 1 hour.
  6. Roll dough and cut into shapes.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
  8. Cool completely before decorating.

Notes

Decorate with icing, candies, or leave plain for a classic chewy treat. Adjust spices to taste for more or less warmth.