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Decorated Easy Christmas Gingerbread Men cookies on a white plate during the holidays.

Easy Christmas Gingerbread Men

Delicious and festive gingerbread men cookies that hold their shape with a simple icing design, perfect for holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Gingerbread Cookies
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger Freshly ground is best
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Freshly ground is best
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves Pinch for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter Softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar Packed
  • 1/2 cup molasses Regular works best
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Icing
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water Add more for desired consistency
  • 1 teaspoon meringue powder or corn syrup Optional, for better setting
  • gel food coloring For coloring the icing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
  3. Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
  3. Cut out gingerbread men and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
  4. Chill the cutouts for about 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are set.
  6. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Decorating
  1. Mix powdered sugar with milk or water until thick but pipeable; optional to add meringue powder.
  2. Outline the cookies with thicker icing, then fill in with slightly thinner icing.
  3. Decorate with sprinkles, buttons, and faces as desired.
  4. Let the icing dry at room temperature; may take a few hours.

Notes

Store iced cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Cookies stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. Freeze undecorated cookies for longer storage. Use a zip-top bag as a piping bag if needed.