Name: Homemade Gingerbread Men – Fun Christmas Cookie Decorating Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp baking soda; **For Decorating**; Royal icing or cookie icing; Mini chocolate chips, candies, or sprinkles

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Homemade Gingerbread Men – Fun Christmas Cookie Decorating Recipe 6

Looking for the perfect Christmas cookie to bake and decorate with your family? These Homemade Gingerbread Men are soft, spiced just right, and perfect for holiday fun. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or keeping an old one alive, these cookies bring warmth, sweetness, and smiles to your kitchen.

Why These Gingerbread Men Are a Holiday Favorite

This easy recipe delivers soft and chewy cookies with a deep, rich flavor. The molasses and spices create the perfect gingerbread taste. Kids love cutting them out and decorating them with icing, candies, and sprinkles. They also make great edible gifts!

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

For Decorating:

Royal icing or cookie icing
Mini chocolate chips, candies, or sprinkles

How to Make Homemade Gingerbread Men

Step 1: Make the Dough

Cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla. Mix well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture to form dough.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll.

Step 3: Cut Out Shapes

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to shape your cookies.

Step 4: Bake

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool completely before decorating.

Step 5: Decorate!

Use royal icing to outline and fill your gingerbread men. Let the kids add buttons, faces, and fun designs using candies and sprinkles.

Tips for Decorating with Kids

Set up a decorating station with small bowls of toppings.
Use squeeze bottles or piping bags for mess-free icing.
Let cookies cool completely to avoid melted icing.
Store extras in an airtight container for up to a week.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Option

You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw, roll, and bake. Baked cookies also freeze well for easy prep ahead of the holidays.

Perfect for Gifting or Cookie Exchanges

Wrap decorated cookies in clear bags with ribbon or place them in festive tins. These gingerbread men make heartwarming homemade gifts.

Start a Sweet Holiday Tradition

This Homemade Gingerbread Men recipe is more than just a cookie. It’s a way to make memories, share joy, and celebrate the season with the ones you love most.

Homemade Gingerbread Men – Fun Christmas Cookie Decorating Recipe