There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies filling the kitchen—it instantly transports me to the warmth and joy of the holidays. These Soft Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies combine the nostalgic flavor of molasses, brown sugar, and festive spices with a tender, chewy texture that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for decorating or gifting, they’re my go-to holiday cookie that always brings smiles to every table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between soft and chewy—no hard, overly crisp cookies here. Each cookie carries that deep, comforting molasses sweetness paired with the cozy blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. I also enjoy how easy it is to prepare and decorate. The dough rolls out smoothly, holds its shape perfectly, and stays soft for days. Plus, the decorating part is pure fun, especially when I make it with family or friends. These cookies are festive, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make the season a little sweeter.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
1 ½ tablespoons ground ginger
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup molasses
1 large egg, room temperature

For the royal icing:

2 ½ cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons warm water
2 tablespoons meringue powder
½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions

I start by whisking together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
In a large mixing bowl, I beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and molasses until they’re light and fluffy. Then, I add the egg and mix until everything is smooth and combined.
I gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. It’s important not to overmix at this stage.
I divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for at least an hour. Chilling ensures the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Once chilled, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick, then cut out my favorite gingerbread men shapes.
I place them on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 9–10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
After letting them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, I move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To decorate, I beat the powdered sugar, water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar until the icing is smooth and glossy. Then I pipe, outline, and add sprinkles or candies to bring each cookie to life.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24–30 cookies, depending on the size of your cutters.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Bake time: 10 minutes per batch
Total time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

I like to experiment with this dough by cutting different shapes—stars, trees, snowflakes, or even hearts for other holidays. For a flavor twist, I sometimes add a pinch of black pepper for extra spice or dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate for a decadent touch. If I want to make them gluten-free, I simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Storage/Reheating

I keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their softness, I place a slice of bread in the container—it works like magic. If I’m preparing ahead, I freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months or the undecorated baked cookies for up to two months. When ready to decorate, I let them thaw at room temperature before adding icing.

FAQs

How do I keep my gingerbread men soft?

I make sure not to overbake them—the centers should still look slightly soft when I remove them from the oven. Storing them properly in an airtight container also keeps them chewy.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated until I’m ready to roll and bake.

Can I use dark molasses instead of light?

Absolutely. Dark molasses gives a deeper flavor and darker color, which I sometimes prefer for a richer taste.

Do I have to use royal icing?

Not at all. I occasionally use a simple powdered sugar glaze or buttercream frosting for a softer, sweeter decoration.

Can I freeze decorated cookies?

I usually freeze them undecorated, but if they’re already iced, I layer them gently between parchment paper to prevent smudging and store them in airtight containers.

Conclusion

Baking these Soft Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies is one of my favorite holiday traditions. I love how the warm spices fill the house with their comforting scent and how each cookie becomes a little piece of edible art. Whether I’m gifting them, baking with kids, or simply enjoying them with a hot drink, they always bring a sense of joy and nostalgia. Once I made them the first time, they instantly became a holiday staple in my kitchen—and I know they’ll do the same for anyone who tries them.