Name: Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cake flour; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar; ½ cup salted sweet cream butter, softened; ¼ cup butter-flavored shortening; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large whole egg; 1 large egg white; 3 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2¼ cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; ½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring; ½ teaspoons almond flavoring; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk; Royal blue food color gel (or blue nonpareils); Orange food color gel

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 11 reviews

There’s just something utterly joyful about baking Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies, especially when the weather gets chilly and cozy baking season rolls in. This playful twist brings together the classic, slightly spiced gingerbread man shape with the soft, buttery flavor of sugar cookies—topped with the cutest snowman-inspired decorations. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie swap, entertaining the kids, or just craving a little edible art, these cookies promise to light up your kitchen and your spirit. With a delicate texture, a hint of almond, and all the decorating fun, expect these treats to steal the show at any holiday table!

Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies lies in the balance of simple pantry staples and a few special touches. Each ingredient is there for a reason—either bolstering the tenderness, amplifying the flavor, or guaranteeing flawless decorating.

Cake flour: Makes the cookies extra soft and tender, giving them an almost melt-in-your-mouth bite.
All-purpose flour: Provides just enough structure so the cookies hold their classic shape after baking.
Baking powder: Delivers a slight puff, ensuring your cookies bake up light rather than dense.
Cream of tartar: Supports both the delicate crumb and the cookies’ pure white color.
Salted sweet cream butter, softened: Adds rich, buttery flavor while keeping the texture smooth.
Butter-flavored shortening: Gives the dough extra tenderness and helps the cookies keep clean edges.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and encourages just the right amount of spreading.
Large egg: Binds everything together for a lush, cohesive dough.
Large egg white: Lightens the texture and helps the cookies stay soft.
Vanilla extract: Infuses lovely warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
Powdered sugar (for icing): Creates a silky base for that perfect glossy finish.
Light corn syrup: Brings shine to the icing and helps it set beautifully.
Clear vanilla flavoring: Maintains a bright, white finish for decorating.
Almond flavoring: Offers a subtle nutty note that puts these cookies over the top.
Milk: Just enough to thin the icing to the perfect piping consistency.
Royal blue food color gel (or blue nonpareils): Makes those snowman eyes and buttons pop.
Orange food color gel: For the iconic little carrot noses!

How to Make Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dry Mix

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cream of tartar. This blend ensures your cookies have both softness and a bit of structure. Once fully combined, set the bowl aside—this will be added to your wet ingredients a little later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Shortening

Using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer and a large bowl, beat the softened butter, butter-flavored shortening, and granulated sugar. Whip for about 1½ to 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key to a cookie that’s both soft and delicate!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Lower the mixer to medium and add the whole egg and vanilla extract. Blend just until combined—don’t overdo it! Next, add the egg white and mix again just until everything is smooth and incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your flour mixture, blending on low just until no dry spots remain. You’ll end up with a smooth, pillowy dough that’s perfectly primed for cookie cutting (after chilling, of course).

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 10 hours (overnight is best). Chilling is crucial for easy rolling, clean cookie cutter edges, and the most irresistible texture once baked.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. Lightly flour your work surface, split the chilled dough in half, and roll each to a thickness of about ¼–⅜ inch. Flour your gingerbread man cookie cutter and stamp out the cookies, then transfer to the prepared baking sheets, six per tray for even baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 10 minutes. The edges should remain pale and never brown, ensuring that soft bite we love in sugar cookies. Cool the cookies completely on the baking tray—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Prepare the Icing

In a medium bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, light corn syrup, clear vanilla, almond flavoring, and just enough milk for a thick but pipeable consistency. Spoon ¼ cup into a small bowl and tint blue, and 2–3 tablespoons into another bowl and tint orange. The rest remains white for outlining and flooding.

Step 9: Decorate Your Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies

Outline each cookie with white icing using a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped). Flood inside the outline with more white icing, then add blue or nonpareil eyes and buttons while the surface is still wet. Finally, use the orange icing to pipe on tiny carrot noses. Let them dry completely so your masterpiece stays intact—overnight is perfect!

How to Serve Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar makes these cookies sparkle like fresh snow. You can also add a pinch of edible glitter for festive shimmer or a very thin drizzle of chocolate for a playful twist.

Side Dishes

Pair your Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, warm spiced cider, or a cozy latte. A wintry fruit salad or a bowl of fresh berries can balance the sweetness and create a colorful, inviting cookie platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring even more joy to your holiday table by packaging cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifting. Arrange them in a wreath shape on a large platter or tuck a few onto each dessert plate for a charming individual treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once dry, store your decorated Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and scrumptious for up to five days, making them ideal for advance holiday baking or edible gifts.

Freezing

You can freeze undecorated cookies or even the dough itself! Wrap the cooled cookies or tightly-sealed dough in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll be at their best within 1–2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.

Reheating

If your cookies lose any softness, add a slice of fresh bread to the container overnight—the cookies will absorb moisture and spring back to bakery-fresh! Avoid microwaving decorated cookies to preserve the icing’s crispness and details.

FAQs

Why does the dough have to chill for so long?

Chilling prevents spreading and ensures the Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies keep their adorable shape while baking. It also deepens the flavors and gives a beautifully soft texture.

Can I make the dough ahead and freeze it?

Absolutely! Make the dough, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling, cutting, and baking as usual.

Do I have to use cake flour?

While cake flour gives a finer, more delicate crumb, you can use all all-purpose flour in a pinch. Just know the cookies may turn out a bit less tender but still delicious.

How do I get the icing smooth and shiny?

Consistency is key! Add just enough milk for a thick but pourable icing, and use corn syrup for that extra gloss. Let the decorated cookies air-dry completely for a flawless finish.

What’s the best way to decorate with kids?

Let little hands use squeeze bottles or small Ziploc bags for easy piping, and offer sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible pearls for them to customize their own Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies. It’s the perfect family baking project!

Final Thoughts

There’s true kitchen magic in making (and sharing) a batch of Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookies, especially when laughter, creativity, and a touch of powdered sugar fill the air. Whether you’re baking them solo or with a few special helpers, I hope you’ll savor each step and every bite of this festive treat. Happy baking!