How do I shape chubby gingerbread men cookies without a cookie cutter?

To shape chubby gingerbread men, portion dough into small balls for the head, body, arms, and legs using measuring spoons. Roll each piece into smooth balls, then arrange and gently press them together on a baking sheet to form the gingerbread man shape. Chilling the shaped dough before baking helps the cookies hold their form better.

Can I make eggless gingerbread cookie dough that stays soft and chewy?

Yes, this recipe uses no eggs and achieves a soft, chewy texture by combining butter, brown sugar, molasses, and carefully measured dry ingredients. Chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading and ensures tenderness without eggs.

What are the best tips to prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure to measure flour accurately by spooning and leveling, use room temperature butter, and chill shaped dough before baking. Avoid rolling dough too thin or making the cookies too large. Checking oven temperature with a thermometer also helps achieve stable baking results.

How should I store chubby gingerbread men cookies to keep them fresh and soft?

Cool cookies on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a single layer at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help retain moisture and softness longer.

Can I decorate these chubby gingerbread men cookies in advance, and what icing works best?

You can decorate cookies after they have cooled completely. A simple icing made from powdered sugar and heavy cream or milk works well and prevents melting. Royal icing can also be prepared and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days before use for detailed decoration.

Chubby Gingerbread Man Cookies That Are Soft and Easy to Decorate

Description

🎄 Embrace the holiday spirit with these fun and festive chubby gingerbread man cookies, perfect for creative decorating with the whole family.
🍪 Delight in their soft, chewy texture and aromatic spices, making each bite a comforting treat during chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups (195g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground allspice or nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup (100g) dark brown sugar, packed
¼ cup (60mL) unsulphured molasses
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional: 1 large egg
½ cup (65g) powdered sugar
½ tablespoon heavy cream or milk
Alternative royal icing option:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ tablespoons meringue powder
4–6 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice (or nutmeg), cloves, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add molasses and vanilla; mix until combined. If using, add egg and mix until smooth.
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until streak-free. If sticky, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
5. Shape dough into gingerbread men: use 1 tablespoon for the body, 1 teaspoon for the head, and smaller for arms and legs. Assemble on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between.
6. Freeze shaped dough for 10–15 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 13–17 minutes until puffed and slightly browned. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. For icing, mix powdered sugar with cream or milk to desired consistency; adjust as needed. For royal icing, whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until fluffy.
9. Decorate cooled cookies and allow icing to set before serving or storing.

Notes

📏 Measure flour correctly to prevent dry dough.
🧈 Keep butter at room temperature for even creaming.
❄️ Chill dough well to maintain cookie shape during baking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling/freezing time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 13–17 minutes per batch
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180 per cookie
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 105mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Gingerbread, Cookies, Soft, Holiday