Spiced with warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, classic Gingerbread Men are the very essence of holiday baking joy. From the first whiff of spices in the air to the final icing detail, these cookies bring a sense of magic to every kitchen.
Tender, flavorful, and endlessly fun to decorate, these cookies are perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or simply for sharing a festive moment at home. If you love classic holiday treats, you might also enjoy our Christmas Cookies, a colorful and joyful addition to any festive spread.
Whether you go for traditional smiles and buttons or get creative with icing, these homemade Gingerbread Men will make your kitchen smell (and taste!) like Christmas itself. And if you’re looking for a cozy bake to go alongside, our Donut Muffins offer a simple, comforting treat for chilly mornings.
✅ Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 24–30 cookies
- Difficulty: Moderate
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (150g)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
- ½ cup molasses (120ml)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (4g)
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger (6g)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (4g)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (0.5g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1g)
For Decorating:
- Royal icing or glaze
- Sprinkles, candies, edible decorations
👩🍳 How to Make Classic Gingerbread Men
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Place on lined baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are firm.
- Cool completely before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
📌 Handy Tips for Success
- Chill the dough well — it makes rolling and cutting much easier.
- Roll dough evenly to ensure even baking.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
🔄 Fun Variations to Try
- Add a pinch of black pepper for a spicier gingerbread.
- Flavor icing with vanilla, almond, or orange extract.
- Swap molasses for honey for a lighter flavor (but classic flavor will change).
🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
🌍 The Story Behind Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread has been around since the Middle Ages, but the first gingerbread men are believed to have appeared in the court of Queen Elizabeth I.
She had cookies baked and decorated to resemble visiting dignitaries — starting a delicious tradition that would evolve into the charming, spicy cookies we know and love today.
🍽️ Best Ways to Serve Gingerbread Men
Serve with hot cocoa, warm cider, or tuck a few into holiday gift baskets.
They’re also wonderful as edible decorations hung from the Christmas tree.
❓ FAQs About Gingerbread Men
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes — you can chill the dough up to 2 days in advance.
Can I freeze baked gingerbread cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze undecorated cookies and decorate after thawing.
What if I don’t have molasses?
Use dark corn syrup or honey in a pinch — but for true gingerbread flavor, molasses is best.
Why are my gingerbread cookies dry?
They may have baked a bit too long — aim for slightly soft centers when you remove them from the oven.
Can I use different shapes?
Of course! Stars, snowflakes, and bells are all festive and fun.
✨ Final Thoughts
Sweet, warmly spiced, and full of holiday cheer, these classic Gingerbread Men are the perfect way to bring smiles to your Christmas celebrations.
Get creative — and have fun!
