How to Make Homemade Gingerbread Man Cookies

How to Make Homemade Gingerbread Man Cookies Several years ago when our daughter was about 13 years old, we started a holiday tradition together. About 2 weeks before Christmas, we would spend an afternoon together baking gingerbread flavored holiday goodies.

When it comes to holiday baking, it just wouldn't be complete without making some cute gingerbread man cookies. The follow recipe is pretty easy, although its not quick since you will be hand making your dough, rolling it out and then cutting out your cookie shapes. Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe 2 1/2 sticks butter, softened 2/3 cup molasses 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 egg 2 1/2 cups all purpose-flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 4 cups confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar) 4 tablespoons milk In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup softened butter, molasses, brown sugar and egg together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add in the flour, spices, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, salt, baking soda and then the baking powder. Beat mixture at low speed with an electric mixture until all ingredients are well combined. Place mixture in a large zipper close plastic bag and place into the refrigerator for 4 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with a silicone nonstick baking mat or lightly grease them. Split cookie dough into three equal sections. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured dough board until it measures approximately 1/4" thick. Use a purchased gingerbread man cookie cutter and cut out your shapes. Place shapes onto your baking sheets and bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Frosting Recipe In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the confectioner's sugar, milk, remaining 1/2 cup of butter and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer and beat until mixture is creamy and fluffy. If desired, you can tint the frosting with food color. Decorate your completely cooled gingerbread man cookies with frosting and set aside to dry. Store your cookies in an airtight cookie canister. These cookies will keep for 2-3 weeks if properly stored. How to Make Homemade Gingerbread Man Cookies