Go Back

Classic Christmas Gingerbread Man Cookies

Delicious and festive classic gingerbread man cookies with warm spices, perfect for holiday baking and decorating.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 3 cups all‑purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground cloves
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.75 cup molasses unsulfured
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide dough into two disks and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out chilled dough to 1/4‑inch thickness and cut out gingerbread man shapes.
  8. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely before decorating.

Notes

Chill dough for best results. Decorate with royal icing and candies.