Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Ingredients:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1/2 cup unsulfured molasses

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup sugar for rolling

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350F 175C and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.

Place the cookie cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Roll the edges of the cookies in sugar before baking, if desired.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center is firm.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate with royal icing or sprinkles as desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 180 kcal Servings: 24 cookies