Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies

These Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just want to enjoy a cozy baking day, these fun cookies bring joy to all ages. With no need for cookie cutters, they offer a unique twist on traditional gingerbread. Their charming appearance and delicious flavor make them a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The dough comes together quickly and requires no special tools.
• Fun and Festive: These cookies add a playful touch to your holiday baking and gatherings.
• Eggless Option: Perfect for those avoiding eggs, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Customizable Decor: Let your creativity shine with icing and decorations tailored to any occasion.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices create an inviting aroma and taste that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Cookie scoop (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without splatter.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a light and fluffy mixture when creaming butter and sugar.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies, ensuring consistent results.

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Ingredients

To craft these delightful Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (60mL) unsulphered molasses
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Icing

• 1/2 cup (65g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon heavy cream or milk

How to Make Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, all-spice, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Whisk in the molasses and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold together until you have a streak-free cookie dough. If too sticky, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6: Shape Your Gingerbread Men

Portion out the dough into little balls:
* (1) 1 tablespoon portion for the body,
* (1) 1 teaspoon portion for the head,
* (4) 1/2 teaspoon portions for arms and legs.
Roll each portion into smooth balls.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Arrange the balls in gingerbread man shape on the lined baking sheet. Lightly squish them together while leaving at least 2 inches between each figure.

Step 8: Chill Before Baking

Place the shaped gingerbread men into the freezer for about 10 to 15 minutes until they feel solid.

Step 9: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 13 to 17 minutes or until puffed up with no shiny surface.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 12: Make Icing

In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar with heavy cream until thick. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more cream or powdered sugar.

Step 13: Decorate & Serve

Use icing to decorate your gingerbread men as desired before serving! Enjoy these sweet treats with friends and family.

How to Serve Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies

Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies are a delightful treat that can bring joy and cheer to any gathering. Here are some fun and creative ways to serve these adorable cookies.

For Kids’ Parties

• Decorating Station: Set up a decorating station with various icings, sprinkles, and edible glitter so kids can personalize their gingerbread men.
• Fun Packaging: Present the cookies in cute bags or boxes as party favors for children to take home.

Holiday Gatherings

• Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with other seasonal treats for a colorful dessert table.
• Hot Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy winter experience.

Family Game Night

• Creative Game Piece: Use the cookies as quirky game pieces during board games for added fun.
• Gingerbread Storytime: Incorporate the cookies into storytime by creating fun narratives about the gingerbread men.

How to Perfect Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies

Achieving the perfect Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies can elevate your baking game. Here are some helpful tips for success.

• Careful Measuring: Ensure accurate measurements of flour and sugar to maintain the right texture in your dough.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, chilling it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes will make it easier to handle.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; remove them once they look puffed and slightly darker underneath.
• Decorate After Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating to ensure that icing doesn’t melt or slide off.

Best Side Dishes for Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies can create a delightful spread. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that complement the sweet flavors of gingerbread.
3. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix provides texture and a healthy contrast to the soft gingerbread cookies.
4. Yogurt Dip: Serve Greek yogurt mixed with honey as a creamy dip that pairs well with spices from the cookies.
5. Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea enhances the flavors of ginger and cinnamon found in the cookies.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over sliced apples for an indulgent side that complements gingerbread perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them:

• Incorrect Flour Measurement – Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Skipping Chilling Time – Not chilling the dough before baking can cause the cookies to spread too much. Make sure to freeze the dough balls for 10-15 minutes.
• Overmixing Dough – Mixing too long can develop gluten, making cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Ignoring Baking Time – Baking for too long can result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness at the lower end of the time range.
• Not Prepping Baking Sheets – Failing to line your baking sheets with parchment paper can lead to sticking. Always use parchment for easy removal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Lightly cover with a pan on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies without eggs?

You can easily make these cookies eggless by following the provided recipe, which doesn’t require eggs. The combination of molasses and butter helps bind everything together.

Can I customize my Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the dough for added flavor and texture.

How should I decorate my Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies?

Use icing made from powdered sugar and cream or milk as described in the recipe. Feel free to get creative with colored sprinkles or edible glitter!

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies are not only adorable but also versatile. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights, you can customize these cookies with various decorations and flavors. Try making them today and enjoy their delightful charm!