Best Gingerbread Men Cookies

Recipe View Gather all ingredients. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Form the dough into a thick disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. (10 minutes)

Recipe View On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Use a 5-inch gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place the gingerbread men about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate as desired with royal icing, sprinkles, or candies. (Varies)