Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe
There’s something instantly nostalgic about gingerbread man cookies. The warm spices, the soft snap when you break one in half, the familiar little smiling faces — they’re more than just a Christmas treat. They’re part of the holiday ritual.
This Gingerbread Man Cookies recipe is designed for home bakers who want cookies that hold their shape, smell like Christmas while baking, and taste rich without being overpowering. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping edible gifts, or filling a festive cookie tin, this recipe walks you through every step with confidence.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make gingerbread man cookies that look bakery-worthy but are completely achievable at home — even if you’re short on time.
What Are Gingerbread Man Cookies
Gingerbread man cookies are a type of spiced cut-out cookie, traditionally made during the Christmas season. Unlike softer drop cookies, this dough is rolled and cut into shapes, making it ideal for festive designs.
What sets gingerbread man cookies apart is their signature spice blend, usually featuring:
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
Historically, gingerbread dates back centuries and was often shaped into symbolic figures. Today, gingerbread men are a holiday staple across Europe and North America, especially because they’re:
- Easy to decorate
- Great for gifting
- Fun to bake as a family activity
This recipe focuses on balanced flavor and reliable structure, so your cookies won’t spread or lose definition in the oven.
Aveline’s Gingerbread Man Cookies Video 👇
Ingredients for Gingerbread Man Cookies
This ingredient list is straightforward and uses pantry staples commonly found during the holiday season.
Dry Ingredients
- 370g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g brown sugar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Why this combination works:
- Brown sugar and honey add moisture and depth
- Butter provides richness without making the dough greasy
- The ginger–cinnamon pairing keeps the flavor warm but approachable
Step by Step: How to Make Gingerbread Man Cookies
Follow these steps carefully for consistent results.
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sugar & Honey
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and honey until smooth and creamy. This step builds the base texture of your cookies.
Step 2: Add the Egg
Crack in the egg and mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should look glossy and cohesive.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Salt
This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing — stop once no dry flour remains.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This step is essential to:
- Prevent spreading
- Make rolling easier
- Improve flavor development
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 4–5 mm thickness.
Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to shape your cookies.
Step 7: Bake
Place cookies on a lined baking tray and bake for 8–10 minutes.
Edges should feel set, but centers should remain slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Transfer to a wire rack and allow cookies to cool fully before decorating or storing.
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try these variations. Add 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a deeper, richer cookie. Add the zest of one orange for a bright, festive twist that pairs beautifully with ginger and cinnamon. Bake for 1 minute less and store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain softness. Use: Perfect for kids’ activities or holiday parties. Always chill the dough — skipping this step causes spreading These small adjustments make a big difference in appearance and texture. Proper storage keeps your cookies fresh and flavorful. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Gingerbread man cookies are incredibly versatile. They’re as decorative as they are delicious. More festive recipes 👇 Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before rolling. Likely causes include warm dough, over-soft butter, or skipping the chilling step. Yes, you can substitute honey with golden syrup or molasses, though flavor will vary slightly. They can be either. This recipe produces cookies that are slightly crisp on the edges and softer in the center.
Gingerbread Man Cookies
Ingredients
Method
Notes
Chocolate Gingerbread Men
Orange-Spiced Gingerbread
Soft Gingerbread Men
Decorated Gingerbread Men
Tips for Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe
How to Store Gingerbread Man Cookies
Room Temperature
Freezing
How to Serve Gingerbread Man Cookies
Gingerbread Man Cookies FAQ