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Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Experience the comforting flavors of holiday spices in these Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies, perfect for celebrating with family and friends.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Ingredients
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out the dough)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks) Use unsalted butter to control the salt.
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons warm water
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Sprinkles of your choice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until fluffy and blended.
  3. Add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using your hands if necessary to form a soft dough.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
  3. Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Icing and Decoration
  1. In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar, whipping it until it holds a good shape.
  2. Use the royal icing to decorate your gingerbread men and add sprinkles as desired.

Notes

If you're short on time, you can make the dough ahead and freeze it for up to a month. Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a flavor twist. Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for about three months.