It just doesn’t feel like Christmastime without decorating some festive cookies! There are so many to choose from and most families have their tried-and-true favorites, but if you’re looking for the perfect gingerbread man cookie recipe, I believe this is one of the best! I came across this recipe from a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook over a decade ago and have used it every December since. These cookies aren’t too crispy like gingerbread can often be but they’re also not too soft and that makes them easy to decorate! Serve them plain or with icing and candy decorations. I hope these little guys sweeten up your holiday season and you have a very Merry Christmas!
Getty | Debbi Smirnoff
Gingerbread Man Cookies
- ½ cup shortening
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 recipe powdered sugar icing (see below)
Powdered Sugar Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp milk or orange juice
- Candy Decorations(optional)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Mini Christmas M&M’s
- Sprinkles
- Red Hots
- Anything small!
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, beat shortening on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
Beat until combined, scaping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Beat in Molasses, egg, and vinegar.
Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer and stir in remaining flour. Divide dough in half then cover and chill about 2-3 hours.
Preheat oven to 375. Grease a cookie sheet or use parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time until ¼ inch thick. Cut with a 4-6 inch person shaped cookie cutter and place one inch apart on the cookie sheet. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are light brown.
Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool completely before icing.
Enjoy!
*We like to use different sizes of Gingerbread Man cookie cutters but using only 4-6 inch should yield about 18 cookies.
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