Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one portion of chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out gingerbread man shapes using cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and set.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or water until smooth and pipeable.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag and decorate the cooled cookies as desired.
- Allow the icing to set for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick for soft and chewy cookies.
- Store cookies with a slice of bread to help keep them soft.
- Decorate with sprinkles, candies, or melted chocolate for festive variations.
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
