Classic Gingerbread Men

Soft, warmly spiced, and perfect for festive decorating! 🎄✨

These classic Gingerbread Men are soft, spiced with cinnamon and ginger, and perfect for holiday baking. Whether you decorate them simply or go all-out with icing details, they’re a festive favourite that both kids and adults love.

Ingredients (makes ~20 biscuits)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup molasses or golden syrup
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rolling pin
• Gingerbread man cookie cutters
• Baking tray + parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all spices. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add molasses and egg: Mix in the molasses (or golden syrup) and egg until smooth.
4. Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Chill the dough: Divide dough in half, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Roll out: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out dough to 6 mm thickness on a floured surface.
7. Cut shapes: Use gingerbread man cutters and place shapes on a lined baking tray.
8. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are set but centres remain soft.
9. Cool: Transfer to a cooling rack before decorating.

Tips

• For softer cookies, bake on the shorter side (8 min).
• For crispier cookies, roll slightly thinner.
• Decorate with royal icing for detailed designs.
• Chill your cut-out shapes for 10 minutes before baking to keep sharp edges.

Variations

• Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
• Use white chocolate for decorating instead of royal icing.
• Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a fancy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for gifting, decorating with kids, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate. They also make adorable edible tree ornaments!

Enjoy & Share!

These soft, spiced Gingerbread Men are a cosy Christmas classic — fun to make, fun to decorate, and even more fun to eat. Bake a batch and share the festive joy! 🎁