Gingerbread Men Recipe- Cinnamon, Honey & Spice Cookies

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Gingerbread Men Recipe – Cinnamon, Honey & Spice Cookies

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything that screams ‘festive’ quite like a batch of gingerbread men? I remember making these every Christmas with my grandmother, carefully decorating each little guy with far too much icing and sprinkles. It’s a tradition I’ve happily carried on, and I’m so excited to share my recipe with you! These aren’t just cookies; they’re little bites of nostalgia, warm spice, and pure joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gingerbread men are seriously special. They’re perfectly spiced – not too overpowering, just a lovely warmth that fills your kitchen as they bake. The honey adds a subtle sweetness and keeps them wonderfully soft. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too! They’re perfect for gifting, decorating, or just enjoying with a cozy cup of chai.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these little guys to life:

• 1 cup flour (120g)
• ¼ cup butter (57g)
• ⅛ cup honey (30ml)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (50g)
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder (2.5ml)
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder (5ml)
• ⅛ teaspoon clove powder (0.6ml)
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper powder (0.6ml)
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg powder (0.6ml)
• ⅓ cup icing sugar (40g)
• 1 drop food color
• 1 tablespoon milk (15ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk spices! Gingerbread is all about that warming flavour. Cinnamon, ginger, clove, nutmeg, and even a tiny pinch of pepper are traditional for a reason. They create a complex, comforting taste that just feels like home.

Don’t skimp on the honey either. It not only adds a lovely flavour but also helps keep the cookies soft and chewy. I prefer a good quality wildflower honey for the best taste. You can use molasses too, for a deeper, richer flavour.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, cream together the butter, honey, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. You can use a whisk or a hand mixer – whatever you prefer. Get it nice and fluffy!
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Then, add it to the butter-sugar mixture and combine everything well.
3. Now, sift the flour and all those beautiful spice powders directly into the wet ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula until a dough starts to form. Don’t overmix!
4. Wrap the dough tightly in cling film and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps it chill and makes it easier to roll out.
5. Once chilled, roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness. Then, use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out your shapes.
6. Carefully place the cookies onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool completely on the tray before decorating.
8. While the cookies cool, make the icing! Mix the icing sugar, food color, and milk together until you have a thick, smooth consistency.
9. Finally, decorate your cooled cookies with the icing and sprinkles. Get creative!
10. Let the icing dry completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

• Chilling is key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Don’t overbake: Overbaked gingerbread men will be hard and dry. Keep a close eye on them!
• Parchment paper is your friend: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use an egg replacer (like flaxseed meal mixed with water) instead of the egg.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had good results with blends that include xanthan gum.
• Spice Level: If you like a bit more kick, add an extra ¼ teaspoon of ginger or a pinch more pepper. My friend, Priya, loves a really spicy gingerbread man!
• Festival Adaptations: These are perfect for Christmas, of course, but also lovely for Winter Solstice or even Halloween (just use orange food coloring for a spooky twist!).

Serving Suggestions

These gingerbread men are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a warm drink. I love them with a cup of masala chai or a glass of cold milk. They also make a beautiful addition to a festive dessert platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled, decorated gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

FAQs

What is the best way to prevent gingerbread men from spreading during baking?

Chilling the dough is the most important thing! Also, make sure your baking sheet is cool before placing the cookies on it.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? How long will it keep?

Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in cling film and store it in the fridge.

What is the best type of icing to use for decorating?

A simple icing sugar and milk icing works perfectly. You can also use royal icing for a more professional look, but it’s a bit more involved.

Can I use different cookie cutters instead of gingerbread men?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter you like – stars, hearts, trees, whatever your heart desires!

How can I achieve a softer or crispier gingerbread cookie?

For softer cookies, use more honey and bake for a shorter time. For crispier cookies, use less honey and bake for a longer time.