These soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat.
They’re cozy, warmly spiced, and have that perfect bendy chew in the middle with just a tiny crisp at the edges.
This is the cookie that makes the house smell like the holidays — cinnamon, ginger, cloves… the works.
Every year, I make these and people go wild for them.
They look cute, but the flavor? Way beyond basic.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- White icing (store-bought or homemade) for decorating
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those cookies that instantly takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen. We’d spend the afternoon cutting out little gingerbread men, sneaking bites of dough, and laughing while decorating them with way too much icing.
- They’re soft, not crunchy
- The spices are bold but cozy
- They hold their shape, so your cookie people won’t bake into blobs
- Easy to make ahead or freeze
Servings and Cook Time
Makes: About 20 medium-sized cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Macros (Per 1 Cookie)
- Calories: 170
- Carbs: 27g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 13g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Molasses and brown sugar are the key to soft, chewy cookies. They both attract and hold moisture, so these cookies stay soft for days. The butter adds richness, while baking soda lifts the dough just enough to keep things fluffy but not puffy.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping chill time: The dough will spread too much and lose shape
- Overbaking: These cookies should look slightly soft in the center when you take them out
- Using too much flour: Scoop and level your flour to avoid dry, cakey cookies
What to Serve With
- Hot cocoa with whipped cream
- Chai tea or spiced apple cider
- A glass of cold milk
- Vanilla ice cream for a warm/cold combo
FAQ
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?
You can, but dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor.
Do I have to use cookie cutters?
Nope. Roll into balls and flatten slightly for round cookies.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap molasses for maple syrup for a lighter flavor (won’t be as rich)
- Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make it GF (may need slight moisture adjustment)
- Decorate with colored icing, sprinkles, or mini candies
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Icing piping bag or bottle
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge
- Baked cookies stay soft for 4–5 days in an airtight container
- You can also freeze fully baked cookies — just defrost and decorate when ready
How to Make Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Add 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar to a large bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Egg and Molasses
Beat in 1 large egg and 1/2 cup molasses until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp ground ginger, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let cookies cool completely on a rack. Decorate with white icing as desired.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days
- Freeze undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months
- If stacking, place parchment between layers to keep decorations intact
Wrap-Up
These soft and chewy gingerbread man cookies are the perfect mix of festive, fun, and flavorful. You’ll love the warm spices, rich molasses flavor, and how easy they are to make (and eat!). Make a batch, share with friends, and don’t forget to drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out for you!
