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Classic Christmas Gingerbread Man Cookies | Royal Icing Ideas
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Classic Christmas Gingerbread Man Cookies

These Classic Christmas Gingerbread Man Cookies are the hallmark of holiday baking. Featuring a perfect balance of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these cookies are crafted to hold their shape, making them ideal for festive cookie cutters and intricate royal icing decorations. Using unsulphured molasses for a rich, deep flavor and a specialized creaming process, this recipe yields cookies that are crisp at the edges and tender within, ensuring they are as delicious as they are beautiful for your holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet base until a thick, uniform dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
  8. Place on baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.
  9. Cool on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing.

Notes

Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature to prevent the dough from splitting. Chill the dough thoroughly for at least 2 hours; this is crucial to prevent the gingerbread men from spreading while baking. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.