
Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Molasses
Grandma's brand
- 1 Cup Butter Flavored Shortening
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1/2 Cup Water
hot
- 3/4 teaspoon Cloves
- 3 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Ginger
ground
- 6 Cups Flour
- 6 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2/3 Cups Milk
- 4 teaspoons Vanilla
Directions
- 1
Prepare your work space as you will need to move quickly when baking. Set out multiple cookie sheets with parchment or a silpat. Arrange cooling racks (I prefer to use 4) over parchment or any paper to catch icing drips. Finally, set aside a glass bowl for reheating the dough in the microwave.
- 2
Mix all ingredients until smooth in a glass bowl and set aside.
- 3
On a medium heat, add the molasses and shortening to a pot. Simmer molasses and shortening for 2-5 minutes (do not scorch). Whisk vigorously in the beginning to help emulsify the two together. It will look like nothing is happening, but suddenly the mixture will coat a spoon and run off in a cohesive, sticky sauce.

Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of the perfect holiday cookie – thick, chewy, and bursting with classic spice? This Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies recipe promises just that, bringing festive cheer to every bite. Get ready to bake the best Christmas cookie you’ll eat this year, guaranteed to become a new family tradition.
The secret to these truly exceptional Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies lies in the generous use of molasses, which provides that signature chewiness and rich, deep flavor. Combined with a balanced blend of aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, each cookie offers a festive warmth that’s simply irresistible.
Get ready for a gingerbread experience that truly lives up to its name. You'll find these cookies wonderfully thick and satisfyingly chewy, never brittle or dry. Each bite delivers a comforting burst of warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—harmoniously balanced by the sweetness of sugar and molasses, finishing with a hint of vanilla. They’re designed to be a standout Christmas treat, perfectly balancing robust flavor with a delightful texture.
While perfect as is, you can easily customize these delightful cookies. For extra festive flair, consider decorating with different colored icing for various occasions or using different cookie cutter shapes beyond the classic gingerbread man. If you prefer a milder spice, you could slightly reduce the amount of ground ginger, cinnamon, or cloves to your taste. The icing, made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, offers a simple yet elegant finish.
These Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee on a chilly evening. They make wonderful edible gifts, too!







