Name: Soft Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups (390 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tablespoons (9 grams) ground ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons (3 grams) ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt; 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) ground nutmeg; 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (165 grams) light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup (170 grams) molasses; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) powdered sugar; 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) warm water; 2 tablespoons (14 grams) meringue powder; 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) cream of tartar

Baking these warm soft chewy gingerbread cookies fills the kitchen with an irresistible holiday aroma that dances through every corner.

The delicate blend of spices creates a nostalgic comfort that transports you straight to cherished winter memories.

Each carefully crafted cookie carries deep notes of molasses and warming ginger, promising a delightful treat for anyone who loves classic seasonal sweets.

The recipe balances traditional flavors with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies truly special.

Rich brown sugar and fragrant spices intermingle to produce a delectable dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft these delicious morsels that spark joy and connection.

Prepare to fall in love with a cookie that celebrates the magic of holiday baking.

Quick Holiday Charm: Create adorable gingerbread men that capture festive spirit with minimal kitchen skills needed.
Prep-Ahead Magic: Make dough in advance and refrigerate, allowing flexible baking schedule for busy families.
Kid-Friendly Decorating: Invite children to help cut shapes and add decorative icing, turning cookie making into a playful bonding activity.
Spice-Packed Flavor Burst: Enjoy rich, warm spices like cinnamon and ginger that deliver classic holiday taste in every delightful bite.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The base foundation that provides structure and texture to the gingerbread cookies.
Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that create the classic gingerbread flavor profile.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Wet Ingredients:

Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.
Molasses: Gives the traditional dark color and distinctive gingerbread flavor.
Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.

Icing Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar, Meringue Powder, Water: Creates a smooth, glossy icing for decorating the gingerbread men with classic details and designs.

How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Men

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt until perfectly blended.

The spices will create a warm, aromatic base for your cookies.

Flour
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Nutmeg
Cloves
Baking soda
Salt

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add molasses and egg, mixing until smooth.

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 3: Chill The Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Wrap each section tightly in plastic wrap, creating compact discs.

Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to develop rich flavors and make rolling easier.

Step 4: Prepare Cookie Shapes

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness.

Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to create festive shapes.

Transfer carefully to parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving small spaces between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Place baking sheets in preheated oven.

Bake for 9-10 minutes until edges are slightly golden but centers remain soft.

Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Step 6: Decorate With Royal Icing

Whip royal icing ingredients in a clean bowl until glossy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Transfer icing to a piping bag with a small tip.

Decorate cooled gingerbread men with facial features, buttons, and festive details.

Tips for Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Measure spices carefully for balanced gingerbread flavor, using fresh ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for maximum taste.
Refrigerate dough at least one hour to prevent spreading and create crisp cookie edges during baking.
Use powdered sugar instead of flour when rolling to prevent tough cookie texture and maintain delicate sweetness.
Remove cookies from oven when edges are slightly golden but centers still soft for perfectly chewy gingerbread men.
Let cookies cool completely before adding royal icing to ensure smooth, clean decoration lines.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic spicy flavor.
Vegan Spice Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure molasses is vegan-friendly for a plant-based alternative.
Low-Sugar Ginger Treat: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the warm, comforting spice profile.
Dairy-Free Holiday Cookies: Use plant-based butter alternatives like Earth Balance and skip traditional icing, creating a version suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Holiday Cookie Decorating Party: Gather friends and family for a festive cookie decorating session with these gingerbread men. Set out colorful candies, sprinkles, and icing for creative designs.
Winter Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside hot cocoa, cinnamon sticks, and candy canes for a cozy holiday display that delights guests.
Gift-Worthy Treats: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. Add personalized labels for a thoughtful homemade gift perfect for teachers, neighbors, or holiday hosts.
Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these gingerbread men alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or Earl Grey tea for a delightful afternoon snack that brings comfort and cheer.

Storing Gingerbread Men Cookies Properly

Store cooled gingerbread men in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature. Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for future enjoyment. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
Keep prepared royal icing in sealed container in refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent hardening and maintain smooth consistency.
Add small piece of bread to storage container to help maintain cookie softness and prevent them from becoming too dry or crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Add xanthan gum for better texture.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough thoroughly and use cold butter. Don’t overmix the ingredients, which can cause spreading.

What if I don't have molasses?

You can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different. Molasses gives the classic gingerbread taste.

Why did my cookies turn out hard instead of soft?

Be careful not to overbake. Remove cookies from the oven when edges are just set but centers look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices

Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

Soft, Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe: A Cozy Holiday Treat