Decorate Your Own Gingerbread Men – Fun and Festive Holiday Treats!

There’s nothing quite as fun as decorating gingerbread men during the holidays! These charming cookies are the perfect blank canvas for your creativity, from cheerful smiles to fancy outfits and even cute accessories. Whether you’re baking with family or creating gifts for friends, crafting these adorable treats will surely bring holiday cheer. Let’s jump into this easy guide and make some delicious gingerbread men full of personality!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Customizable Fun: Each cookie can be uniquely decorated with outfits, accessories, and expressions.

Perfect for Gifting: A box of these festive cookies makes a thoughtful and delightful holiday gift.

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love decorating these gingerbread men.

Delicious & Festive: The warm spices and molasses flavor scream holiday coziness..

Ingredients:

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cookies.

1 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly.

1/2 tsp baking powder – Ensures the cookies stay soft but hold their shape.

1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.

1 tbsp ground ginger – Adds the signature gingerbread spice.

1 tbsp ground cinnamon – Brings warmth and coziness.

1/2 tsp ground cloves – Enhances the deep, rich flavors.

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg – Adds a subtle, festive note.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Makes the cookies rich and buttery.

1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough.

1/2 cup molasses – The key ingredient for a deep, rich flavor.

1 large egg – Binds the dough together.

1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a hint of sweetness.

For the Royal Icing:

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted – Creates a smooth, glossy icing.

3 tbsp meringue powder – Makes the icing firm and perfect for detailed designs.

9 tbsp water – Adjusts the icing consistency.

Gel food coloring – Use various colors for decorating.

What You’ll Need:

• Gingerbread man cookie cutters
• Piping bags with assorted tips
• Rolling pin
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling racks

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Gingerbread Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg).
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden.
5. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Royal Icing

1. In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
2. Add the water and mix on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and beat until stiff peaks form.
3. Divide the icing into bowls and add gel food coloring to create the desired colors.
4. Adjust the consistency:
   • For outlining, keep the icing thick (like toothpaste).
   • For flooding, add a little water to make it thinner (like syrup).

Step 4: Decorate Your Cookies

1. Scoop the icing into piping bags fitted with different tips.
2. Outline each cookie and let the icing set for a few minutes.
3. Flood the inside with icing, spreading it evenly using a toothpick.
4. Add details like eyes, smiles, clothes, and accessories while the icing is wet.
5. Use sprinkles, candy, or edible glitter to make your designs pop.
6. Let the cookies dry completely at room temperature, ideally overnight.

Creative Decorating Ideas:

• Expressions: Give your gingerbread men unique personalities with smiles, winks, or goofy faces.
• Outfits: Decorate them with scarves, bow ties, dresses, or even holiday sweaters!
• Accessories: Add candy buttons, sprinkle belts, or tiny candy canes for an extra festive touch.

Pro Tips:

• Chill the Dough: This keeps the cookies from spreading while baking.
• Test Your Icing: Practice your designs on parchment paper first.
• Store Properly: Keep decorated cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Recommended Products:

1. Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutters: Ann Clark Cookie Cutters Gingerbread Man Set
2. Meringue Powder: Wilton Meringue Powder
3. Gel Food Coloring: AmeriColor Soft Gel Paste Food Color
4. Piping Bags and Tips: Wilton 55-Piece Cake Decorating Set
5. Rolling Pin: Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin
6. Baking Sheets: Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
7. Parchment Paper: Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper Roll
8. Cooling Racks: Checkered Chef Cooling Rack
9. Candy Decorations: Wilton Holiday Sprinkles Set

Storage & Gifting:

Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Gifting: Package them in festive tins or wrap individually in clear bags with ribbons for a thoughtful holiday gift.

ALSO READ: Magical Snowflake Cookies – Easy Winter Treats You’ll Love to Make!

Wrap-Up:

Decorating gingerbread men is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. From designing outfits to creating expressive faces, these cookies are perfect for sharing laughter and creativity. So grab your icing bags and cookie cutters—it’s time to bring your gingerbread characters to life! 🎄🍪✨

Charming Gingerbread Men Cookies – A Holiday Delight! 🎄🍪

Czardilyn Buyawe

Unleash your creativity with these fun and festive gingerbread men cookies! From cheerful smiles to stylish outfits, they’re perfect for spreading holiday joy. Whether gifting them or enjoying family decorating fun, these spiced cookies are sure to warm your heart and taste buds. 🎅✨

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Holiday Recipes

Servings 24 cookies (depending on cutter size)

Equipment

• Gingerbread man cookie cutters
• Piping bags with assorted tips
• Rolling Pin
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixerv
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
• Cooling racks

Ingredients

  

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing:

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 9 tablespoons water
• Gel food coloring (various colors)

Instructions

 

Make the Gingerbread Dough:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Roll and Cut the Cookies:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
• Cut out shapes with gingerbread man cookie cutters and place them 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
• Repeat with the second dough disk.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just turning golden.
• Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

.Prepare the Royal Icing:

• In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder.
• Add water and beat on low speed until combined, then whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
• Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring.
• Adjust the consistency as needed: thick (toothpaste-like) for outlining, thinner (syrup-like) for flooding.

Decorate Your Gingerbread Men:

• Transfer icing into piping bags with assorted tips.
• Outline each cookie with thick icing and let set for a few minutes.
• Flood the outlined areas with thinner icing, using a toothpick to spread evenly.
• Add faces, clothes, and accessories while icing is still wet.
• Sprinkle with edible glitter or attach candy decorations for extra charm.
• Let cookies dry completely at room temperature, preferably overnight.

Notes

Creative Decorating Ideas:

• Expressions: Smiles, winks, or even silly faces bring your gingerbread men to life.
• Outfits: Try scarves, hats, or ugly holiday sweaters for festive flair.
• Accessories: Add candy buttons, sprinkle belts, or edible glitter for extra pizzazz.

Notes:

• These cookies make perfect gifts when packaged in festive tins or clear bags with ribbons. 🎁
• Have fun decorating! Turn it into a holiday tradition with family and friends. 🎄😊

Enjoy creating and sharing these delightful gingerbread men, full of holiday magic! ✨

Keyword Gingerbread men cookies