Classic spiced gingerbread men (Print Version)
Delight in spiced gingerbread men adorned with colorful icing and festive toppings perfect for holiday gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookies
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
03 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/2 cup molasses
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
09 - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
→ Royal Icing
12 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 1 large egg white (or 2 tablespoons meringue powder + 4 tablespoons water)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - Food coloring (various colors)
→ Decorations
16 - Assorted sprinkles
17 - Mini chocolate chips
18 - Candied pearls
19 - Small candies
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses until fully incorporated.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
03 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
04 - Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to firm.
05 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut shapes with a cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely on wire racks.
06 - Beat the egg white (or meringue powder mixture) until frothy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and glossy. Divide and tint with desired food coloring.
07 - Transfer icing to piping bags and decorate cooled cookies with icing and assorted decorations. Allow icing to set fully before serving or packaging.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These cookies stay wonderfully soft inside with just the right amount of snap on the edges—they're meant to be eaten and enjoyed, not just admired.
- The spice blend is perfectly balanced, warm and cozy without being overwhelming, making them irresistible to both kids and adults.
- They're the ultimate canvas for creativity—decorating them becomes as fun as baking them, and they make incredible gifts that people actually treasure.
02 -
- Temperature matters enormously—butter must be truly softened, not melted, and dough must be properly chilled. These two things make the difference between cookies that spread everywhere and cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
- Don't skip sifting the powdered sugar for the icing. It removes every lump and creates that silky texture that pipes like silk and looks professional.
- Royal icing hardens as it sits—if it becomes too thick while you're decorating, add water one drop at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually.
03 -
- Royal icing can be made several hours in advance and kept covered with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent it from drying out—this saves you time on decorating day.
- If you want softer cookies with more chew, underbake them by 1-2 minutes—the carryover heat will finish cooking them gently as they cool, and you'll have the perfect texture.
- For the smoothest icing consistency, use a small pinch of meringue powder instead of raw egg white if you're concerned about food safety—it whips to the same glossy perfection.