Can I Make the Dough Ahead?

Absolutely, Wrap dough tightly in plastic and refrigerate up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze for 3 months - just thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling.

Why Are My Cookies Too Hard?

Two culprits: overbaking (pull them at 8 minutes) or overmixing the dough. Next batch, stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears.

Best Icing for Decorating?

Royal icing dries hard for stacking, while buttercream tastes richer. For Christmas cookie decorating with kids, I recommend royal icing - it's less messy.

How to Prevent Spreading?

Chill cut shapes on the pan for 10 minutes before baking. And measure your flour correctly - too little causes flat cookies.

20-Year Secret to Perfect Classic Gingerbread Man Cookies -

Name: 20-Year Secret to Perfect Classic Gingerbread Man Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 tsp vanilla extract

20-Year Secret to Perfect Classic Gingerbread Man Cookies

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A classic gingerbread man cookie recipe perfect for the holidays. Easy to make and fun to decorate with kids.

Author: RecipeZest
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into gingerbread shapes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool before decorating.

Notes

Chill dough for 30 minutes if too sticky.
Use royal icing for decorating.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Find it online: https://recipeszest.com/classic-gingerbread-man-cookies-recipe/