Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies with Glaze Recipe

If you’re hunting for the ultimate holiday treat that hits all the right notes—spiced, sweet, and just the right chewiness—you’re in the right spot. Let me introduce you to my deliciously tried and true Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies with Glaze Recipe. This isn’t your average gingerbread cookie; these little guys are soft, full of warm spices, and come slathered in a sweet, smooth glaze that turns every bite into a festive party in your mouth. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail these cookies and impress everyone around your kitchen table.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies with Glaze Recipe plays a specific role in delivering that soft texture and spicy depth you’re craving. Here’s a quick run-through to help you understand what each does and some handy shopping cues to make your life easier.

• Molasses: Provides richness, deep flavor, and moisture for chewiness—opt for Grandma’s brand or a similar robust molasses for authentic taste.
• Butter Flavored Shortening: Keeps cookies tender and easy to handle when rolling, plus it helps maintain that chewy texture better than butter alone.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps with the cookie structure; granulated sugar also aids in caramelizing the edges just a bit.
• Egg: Adds moisture and binds the dough together nicely.
• Vanilla Extract: Really lifts the flavor and adds warmth beyond the spices.
• Baking Soda: Reacts with the hot water to give just enough leavening for a light yet chewy bite.
• Hot Water: Activates baking soda and slightly warms the dough, important for that smooth rolling experience.
• Ground Cloves, Cinnamon, Ginger, and Salt: The spice squad! They blend to create the signature gingerbread warmth and balance sweetness with a spicy zing.
• Flour: The foundation—six cups make for a dough that’s sticky but manageable and sturdy enough to hold shapes.
• Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Provides a silky smooth coating that’s perfect for dipping.
• Milk (for glaze): Thins the powdered sugar to the perfect consistency for dunking.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love experimenting with this Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies with Glaze Recipe to fit different moods or celebrations—and trust me, you can make these your own in lots of fun ways.

• Spice It Up: Sometimes I like adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different flavor profile—try it and see what you think!
• Sweetness Level: If you want the glaze to be less sweet, just add a bit less powdered sugar or swap milk for almond milk to add subtle nuttiness.
• Cookie Size: The recipe suggests small gingerbread men, which bake quickly, but I’ve gone big for gifting—adjust timing accordingly.
• Gluten-Free Version: I haven’t tried it myself, but substituting a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum should do the trick—just keep an eye on the dough’s stickiness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Setting up Your Baking Station

Before you even mix one ingredient, prep your workspace. Trust me on this: have your cookie sheets lined with parchment or a silicone mat, and set out cooling racks with parchment below to catch glaze drips. You’ll also want a glass bowl nearby for warming the dough if it cools off while you work. This prep makes the entire baking process flow so smoothly and prevents last-minute scrambles or messes.

Step 2: Creating the Molasses-Shortening Base

Heat molasses and shortening together on medium heat in a pot, whisking constantly at the start so they emulsify without separating. You might think nothing’s happening for a bit, but suddenly it thickens into a glossy, sticky coat on your spoon—this is key for that chewy texture. Don’t let it scorch; about 2 to 5 minutes is perfect.

Step 3: Mixing the Dough

Meanwhile, cream sugar, egg, and vanilla together until smooth using a mixer with a paddle attachment. Then, dissolve baking soda in hot water and pour it in while mixing on low. Add the spices and salt, blending thoroughly before mixing in the hot molasses mixture. Finally, gradually beat in the flour. The dough will feel super sticky and wet, which is how it should be—resist the urge to add more flour!

Step 4: Rolling and Cutting

Spray your countertop and rolling pin with nonstick spray (not flour!), then scoop about one-third of the dough out to roll. Aim for roughly ½-inch thickness. I love using a small gingerbread man cutter for adorable bite-sized cookies that bake quickly, but feel free to go bigger if you like. Keep the dough warm; if it cools and gets tough, zap it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.

Step 5: Baking and Glazing

Bake your gingerbread men at 375°F. Time depends on size: about 5 minutes for tiny ones, up to 10 minutes for standard size. As soon as each batch comes out, immediately dunk the hot cookies completely in the prepared glaze, coating all sides. I know this feels weird at first, but this step seals in moisture and gives you that irresistible shiny finish. Place them on racks to drip and dry, rotating after a few minutes to prevent sticking.

How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies with Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

While the glaze on these gingerbread cookies adds plenty of sweet shine, I often like to accent them with tiny edible glitter or colorful sanding sugar just before the glaze fully sets for a festive sparkle. Sometimes I’ll pipe on a smile or buttons with royal icing—fun and super cute, especially if kids are around to help.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cozy cup of spiced chai, hot cocoa, or even a frothy latte. For holiday parties, I’ve also served them alongside peppermint bark or a cheese platter, which gives a nice balance of savory and sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged the glazed gingerbread men on a large wooden board decorated with pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries for an edible centerpiece. Gift-wise, wrapping stacks in parchment tied with twine and a sprig of rosemary makes the perfect homemade present that feels both rustic and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay chewy and fresh for up to a month this way, which is impressive because usually, they vanish sooner around here!

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch ahead of time, I freeze the cookies after glazing and drying, placing them in freezer bags with as much air pressed out as possible. They keep great for up to two months, and I find freezing preserves that chewiness just fine.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy frozen cookies, I just let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. If I want to warm them up, a quick 10-12 second zap in the microwave refreshes that soft, cozy texture without melting the glaze.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t get enough of this Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies with Glaze Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that’s fun to make, smells incredible while baking, and brings so much joy around the holidays—or anytime you just want a little sweet comfort. It’s straightforward to follow but yields cookies that look and taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. You’ll love how easy it is to customize too, making it your own signature holiday treat. So, roll up your sleeves, get that festive spirit flowing, and make these cookies your new tradition—you won’t regret a single bite!

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