The Ultimate Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe for Decorating
Discover the best gingerbread man cookie recipe that's perfect for decorating and actually tastes amazing.
The holidays are here, and that means it’s time for cookie season! Among the most beloved holiday treats are gingerbread man cookies. These festive favorites are not only fun to decorate but also bring a nostalgic warmth to any gathering. However, not all gingerbread man recipes are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the perfect gingerbread man cookie, share the results of a rigorous bake-off, and provide you with the winning recipe that’s ideal for decorating and actually tastes delicious.
Why Gingerbread Man Cookies Are a Holiday Staple
Gingerbread man cookies have been a holiday tradition for generations. Their simple, spiced flavor and playful shape make them a favorite for both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, decorating with family, or simply enjoying a sweet treat, gingerbread men are a must-have.
But let’s be honest—many gingerbread man recipes are made for looks, not taste. They often end up being too sweet, too dry, or lacking in spice. That’s why we set out to find the best gingerbread man cookie recipe that’s not only perfect for decorating but also stands out in flavor and texture.
The Bake-Off: Finding the Best Gingerbread Man Cookie
To find the ultimate gingerbread man cookie, we tested six different recipes, baked nearly 200 cookies, and enlisted 15 taste testers to help us rank them. Our goal was to find a recipe that’s ideal for decorating and actually tastes good on its own. Here’s how we did it:
Rules of the Road
- No Add-ons: The cookies were judged on their own, without any frosting or decorations. We wanted to evaluate the actual cookie, not just how it looks with icing.
- Follow the Recipes Exactly: For fairness, we stuck to the exact directions as written, even if we disagreed with the method or measurements.
Ranking Guardrails
When ranking the recipes, we focused on two main criteria: flavor and texture.
Flavor
- Warming spices that add a lot of flavor. We wanted the cookies to be spicy, warm, and savory, but not overwhelming.
- Not too sweet. Since most gingerbread men get frosted, the actual cookie shouldn’t be overly sweet.
- Ability to taste the molasses. Molasses is a key ingredient in gingerbread, and we wanted it to shine through.
Texture
- A little snap to the biscuit, but not dry. We wanted a cookie that’s crisp on the outside but still has some chew.
- A little chew is nice. The texture should be satisfying and keep us coming back for more.
The Results: Ranking the Best Gingerbread Man Cookies
After baking and tasting, here’s how the recipes ranked:
#6 Pioneer Woman: Gingerbread Cookies
Overall, this cookie wasn’t a fan favorite. While the flavor was mildly sweet and molasses-forward, there wasn’t enough spice for what we wanted from a gingerbread cookie. The texture was chewier but not as moist as we would’ve liked. This would be a fine cookie to make for decorating, but it wasn’t one we went back to for another bite.
#1 Martha Stewart: Gingerbread Cookies
And the winner is… the one and only Martha Stewart, of course. When you want the best gingerbread man cookies, this is the classic recipe to follow. The flavor was very spice-forward and even had some delicious chocolatey undertones despite there being zero cocoa in this recipe. In terms of sweetness, it was the mildest, but we could still catch a hint of the molasses in the cookie. The texture had a nice snap, a nice chew, and kept us coming back for more.
When paired with royal icing, it’s absolutely perfect, and I would eat a whole tray of these. I would say use caution as it’s very easy to over-bake these cookies because of the dark color. But the end result is next to perfect when we’re looking for a gingerbread cookie. This will definitely be the recipe I rely on moving forward!
The Winning Recipe: Martha Stewart’s Gingerbread Cookies
Here’s the recipe that took home the crown in our bake-off. Follow these steps for the best gingerbread man cookies you’ll ever make:
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer using a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, add the butter and brown sugar and cream together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the molasses and egg, and beat until just combined.
- Add the flour mixture in stages, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using a gingerbread man cookie cutter and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the cookies are set.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Decorating Gingerbread Man Cookies
Once your cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to get creative! Here are some tips for decorating gingerbread men:
- Use royal icing for a smooth, glossy finish. You can tint it with food coloring for a festive look.
- Add candies, sprinkles, or edible glitter for extra sparkle.
- Let your imagination run wild—draw faces, hats, scarves, or even holiday scenes.
- For a more rustic look, use colored sugar or cinnamon sugar instead of icing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make gingerbread man cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cookies up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Decorate them just before serving for the best results.
Q: How do I prevent my gingerbread men from spreading while baking?
A: Make sure the dough is well-chilled before rolling and cutting. Also, avoid overworking the dough, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar in the recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor. Avoid using granulated sugar, as it can make the cookies too sweet.
Q: What’s the best way to store decorated gingerbread men?
A: Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Gingerbread man cookies are a holiday classic for a reason. With the right recipe, they can be both beautiful and delicious. Our bake-off proved that Martha Stewart’s gingerbread cookie recipe is the best for decorating and taste. Follow the tips and instructions in this article, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate gingerbread man cookies for your holiday celebrations.
Do you have a go-to gingerbread cookie recipe? What else is in your cookie box this year? Share your favorites in the comments below!
References
- https://camillestyles.com/food/ginger-molasses-cookies/
- https://camillestyles.com/food/gingerbread-man-cookie/
- https://camillestyles.com/entertaining/hosting/vegan-orange-gingerbread-cookies/
- https://camillestyles.com/food/cooking/best-christmas-cookie-recipes/
- https://camillestyles.com/web-stories/the-best-gingerbread-cookie-recipe-on-the-internet/
- https://camillestyles.com/tag/cookies/
- https://camillestyles.com/tag/christmas-cookies/
