These Gingerbread Men Cookies are a festive classic that combines the perfect blend of warm spices and rich molasses. Perfect for holiday gatherings or an afternoon baking session, these cookies are as fun to decorate as they are delicious.
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Servings: 24 cookies
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic holiday flavor with a perfect balance of spices.
- Fun and creative decorating opportunity for all ages.
- Great make-ahead dough for leisurely baking sessions.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling: Provides structure to the cookies. Add extra for rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.
- 2 teaspoons McCormick Ground Ginger: Delivers a warm, spicy flavor. No direct substitute offers the same taste, but allspice can be used in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon: Adds a sweet, warming aroma essential to the holiday flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise slightly.
- ¼ teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg: Contributes to the depth of flavor and spice complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing other flavors.
- ¾ cup butter, softened: Provides richness and keeps cookies tender. Ensure it’s soft for easy mixing.
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar: Sweetens the cookies and adds moisture due to its molasses content.
- ½ cup molasses: Gives the cookies their distinctive dark color and robust flavor. No straightforward substitute; however, dark corn syrup could be used with decreased flavor depth.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances other flavors without overwhelming them, adding a subtle sweetness.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of baking soda and spices, crucial for balanced flavor and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air, which helps create a tender cookie structure.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined. The wet ingredients need to be well-blended for a smooth dough and to avoid streaking in the final product.
Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stir until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as it can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours or until firm. This helps the dough hold its shape during baking and enhances the flavor.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cooling them on the sheet helps them firm up without overbaking.
Recipe FAQs
What does chilling the dough do?
Chilling solidifies the fat in the dough, preventing cookies from spreading too much and ensures the flavors meld and deepen for a more intense taste experience.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator, or freeze it for up to 3 months, defrosting overnight in the fridge before use.
How should these cookies be stored?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.
