Gingerbread Men Refrigerate Dough Overnight

These traditional gingerbread men are baked from a dough that rests overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the spices to deepen and the texture to become tender yet sturdy enough for cutting. The rich flavor profile features dark molasses, warm cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice, creating an aromatic treat that smells like the holidays. Ideal for Christmas parties or winter gatherings, these cookies can be decorated with simple raisin buttons or royal icing. The dough is easy to handle after chilling, making it a favorite for families who enjoy decorating together. Serve fresh from the oven or store in an airtight container for a sweet, spiced snack throughout the week.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Courses: Baked Goods

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 48

Calories: 1066.0

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

These traditional gingerbread men are baked from a dough that rests overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the spices to deepen and the texture to become tender yet sturdy enough for cutting. The rich flavor profile features dark molasses, warm cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice, creating an aromatic treat that smells like the holidays. Ideal for Christmas parties or winter gatherings, these cookies can be decorated with simple raisin buttons or royal icing. The dough is easy to handle after chilling, making it a favorite for families who enjoy decorating together. Serve fresh from the oven or store in an airtight container for a sweet, spiced snack throughout the week.

Ingredients

1/4 cup Unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup Dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon Allspice
3/4 cup Dark molasses
1/3 cup Water
3 1/4 cup Sifted flour

Directions

1
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until smooth.
2
Beat in the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice until evenly distributed.
3
Stir in the dark molasses, then add the water and mix well.
4
Gradually work the sifted flour into the batter, one cup at a time, mixing until just combined.
5
Knead the mixture into a smooth dough; if sticky, add more flour a little at a time until easier to handle.
6
Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap each half tightly in waxed paper or plastic wrap.
7
Refrigerate the wrapped dough overnight to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
8
The next day, preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
9
Lightly grease two large baking sheets with butter or vegetable shortening.
10
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
11
Use a 3-inch-tall gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
12
Place the cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
13
Create eyes and buttons by pressing raisins onto the cookies, or decorate as desired.
14
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and set.
15
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes.
16
Transfer the warm cookies to wire racks to cool completely before storing or serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 48

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1066.0kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14.3g22%
Saturated Fat 8.1g41%
Cholesterol 33.2mg12%
Sodium 4906.6mg205%
Total Carbohydrate 218.6g73%
Dietary Fiber 5.6g23%
Sugars 70.5g
Protein 19.9g40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze wrapped dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.

If you do not have dark molasses, light molasses can be used, though the flavor will be slightly less robust. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.

Do not freeze the dough as it may become too hard to roll. If the dough is too soft after rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes before cutting.

Keywords: gingerbread, cookies, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, holiday, christmas, cutout, dough, refrigerated, spiced, soft, chewy, decorated, family, traditional, sweet, aromatic

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/gingerbread-men-refrigerate-dough-overnight/