These Gingerbread Men Cookies are a holiday classic — warmly spiced, perfectly chewy, and irresistibly fun to decorate.
Made with molasses, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon and ginger, these cookies fill your kitchen with cozy Christmas aromas.
Perfect for family baking days, cookie swaps, or as homemade gifts from the heart.
Table of Contents
Summary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Recipe Summary:
Spiced, golden gingerbread cookies shaped like little men — classic, fun, and festive for every holiday celebration.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium & large)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread men cookie cutters
- Baking sheets with parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients for Gingerbread Men Cookies
For the Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For Decoration (Optional)
- Royal icing or buttercream
- Mini candies or sprinkles
Directions for Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the egg and molasses until well combined. - Add Dry Ingredients:
Stir in flour, ginger, and cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms. - Chill the Dough:
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for easier rolling. - Shape and Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness.
Cut out shapes using gingerbread men cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake 8–10 minutes or until edges are firm. - Cool and Decorate:
Let cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or candies.
Tips & Variations for Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Substitute maple syrup for molasses for a lighter flavor.
- Use white chocolate drizzle instead of icing for quick decoration.
- Turn dough scraps into mini gingerbread stars.
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Nutritional Highlights
- Naturally sweetened with molasses and brown sugar
- Lower in fat for a lighter holiday treat
- Contains antioxidants from molasses and spices
Dietitian Tips
- Choose unsulfured molasses for a milder flavor.
- Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat pastry flour for extra nutrients.
- Decorate with dark chocolate drizzle instead of icing to reduce sugar.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Men Cookies bring together the best of the holidays — rich spice, warm sweetness, and creativity.
Bake them with family, decorate with love, and share the timeless joy of homemade cookies.
Gingerbread Men Cookies – Classic Christmas Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Stir in flour, ginger, and cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for easier rolling.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using gingerbread men cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake 8–10 minutes or until edges are firm.
- Cool and Decorate:
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or candies.
Notes
Other recipes in this category: Recipes-trends.