Gingerbread People the Ultimate Holiday Cookie

Holiday Baking Fun My Gingerbread People Recipe

By Emily CollinsSeptember 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Gingerbread People Galore!

Ever wondered what really makes Christmas feel like Christmas? For me, it's the smell of gingerbread wafting through the house.

Seriously, holiday baking just isn't complete without a batch of these guys. They are perfectly spiced and oh-so-fun to decorate.

A Bit About These Classic Cookies

Gingerbread people have been around for ages, originating from medieval Europe. They are usually associated with Christmas, and are perfect treat.

This is a medium difficulty recipe. Expect about 2 hours and 40 minutes overall time. This recipe yields about 24 cute gingerbread people.

Why You'll Love These holiday treats

These gingerbread people are not only delicious, but they're also fun to make with the kids! This will make your baking with kids much easier.

Plus, ginger is known for its anti inflammatory properties. These christmas cookies are just perfect for sharing during the holidays. Honestly, this recipe is special because it strikes that perfect balance between tradition and creating something unforgettable.

Ready to gather your ingredients? Let's get this gingerbread recipe going!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Bake!

Gingerbread People the Ultimate Holiday Cookie presentation

So, you're ready to make some gingerbread people ? Fantastic! This isn't just about baking; it's about creating memories. This is a classic holiday baking project.

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need.

Main Ingredients: The Gingerbread Gang's Foundation

Here’s what you need to make about 24 gingerbread people . Get ready for some christmas baking !

3 cups (384g) all-purpose flour: Good quality flour makes a difference. Honestly, I've used cheap flour, and it's never the same.
1 tsp (5ml) baking soda
1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt
1 tsp (5ml) ground ginger: Don't skimp on the ginger! It's key to the flavour.
1 tsp (5ml) ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1.25ml) ground cloves
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened. The butter should be soft, but not melted.
1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (170g) molasses: Molasses gives the cookies their signature flavor and colour. A good quality molasses will be dark and rich.
1 large egg
2 tbsp (30ml) milk

These are your weapons of choice for gingerbread dough . They form the heart of the gingerbread recipe , making sure that your christmas cookies are the best around.

Remember to measure accurately.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (and Cookies)

These spice cookies get their magic from a simple blend. The classic combo of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is all you really need.

A little pinch of nutmeg or allspice won't hurt either. Some like to add a tiny dash of white pepper for a bit of kick.

Feel free to play around! It's all about personal taste with this part of holiday treats !

Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials

You don't need a fancy kitchen for festive baking . Just the basics will do.

Mixing bowls: Big enough to hold all the ingredients.
Electric mixer: A hand mixer is fine.
Rolling pin: For rolling out the gingerbread dough .
Gingerbread people cookie cutters: Obviously!
Baking sheets
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking!
Piping bags: For the royal icing recipe .

A good old mug can be used instead of measuring cups sometimes. Most of us don't always have the right equipment! Now you are ready to move on, and have some fun with baking with kids .

Holiday desserts here we come!

Honestly, when I think of holiday baking , I think of gingerbread. Nothing beats that warm, spicy aroma filling the house.

This gingerbread recipe is my go-to for Christmas cookies . These aren't just any cookies; they're sturdy enough to hang on the tree! (If you don't eat them first, LOL).

This recipe delivers perfectly spiced, sturdy gingerbread people . Time to get baking and create the perfect holiday treats .

Prep Like a Pro

Before you even think about flour, get your mise en place sorted. Measure out all your ingredients first. It's so much easier than fumbling around later.

Oh, and grab your gingerbread people cookie cutters. Essential!

Safety first! Oven mitts are your best friend. And keep an eye on the little ones if you're baking with kids . This recipe is great for doing with the family.

Let's Get Baking: step-by-step

Whisk together the dry stuff. Flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves).
Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This takes a few minutes, but it's worth it.
Beat in the molasses and egg. Then add the milk.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
Chill time! Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disc. Wrap them up and chill for at least 2 hours .
Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out your gingerbread people .
Bake for 8- 12 minutes . The edges should be firm and lightly golden brown.

Gingerbread Pro-Tips!

Don't skip chilling the dough. Seriously. It prevents spreading and gives you that perfect shape. If you are looking for an easy cookie recipe , this is it.

If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour. But just a touch! And for the royal icing recipe , practice your piping skills.

A steady hand makes all the difference for decorated cookies . Don't skip the molasses cookies , they are a vital part of Christmas tradition.

make-ahead? Absolutely! Bake the cookies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container. Then, whip up the icing and go crazy with your cookie decorating when you're ready.

Let's make some festive baking happen. These spice cookies are destined to be treasured.

Recipe Notes

Alright, so you're ready to tackle these holiday treats ! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.

Think of it as me whispering secrets in your ear before the big baking reveal!

Serving Suggestions: Show Off Those Gingerbread People

These gingerbread people are not just for eating, you know? Think presentation! Pop them on a cute plate with a dusting of icing sugar, like fresh snow.

They also pair brilliantly with a mug of hot chocolate. Honestly, Christmas desserts don't get much more Christmassy than that! I love putting them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon as little gifts for friends.

Storage Tips: Keep the Magic Alive

Okay, so you've baked a batch of these christmas cookies . If you're not devouring them immediately (and honestly, who could blame you?), you need to store them right.

For refrigeration, just pop them in an airtight container, they should be good for up to 5 days. They are shelf stable for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't the best idea for decorated cookies , as the royal icing recipe can get a bit weird after thawing.

If you absolutely must freeze them, wrap them individually in cling film before putting them in a container. Just be gentle with them when they thaw.

Variations: A Little Twist Never Hurt Anyone

Want to mix things up a bit? Fancy a dietary adaptation? For a gluten-free version, swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend.

Make sure it's one with xanthan gum already in it. For a less sweet cookie, just reduce the brown sugar by two tablespoons.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Each gingerbread cookie is about 120 calories. They've got 1g of protein, 4g of fat, 20g of carbs, and 10g of sugar. Remember, this is just an estimate!

So, that's it! Now you're armed with all the knowledge you need. This gingerbread recipe is sure to bring smiles.

Enjoy your holiday baking , and remember, even if they're not perfect, they're still delicious. Happy Christmas baking !

Stunning Gingerbread People My Ultimate Holiday Baking Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

My gingerbread dough is too sticky! What am I doing wrong?

Sticky gingerbread dough usually means there's too much moisture or the dough hasn't been chilled enough. First, make sure you measured your flour correctly (spoon and level!). Second, the chilling step is absolutely crucial! Pop your dough back into the fridge for another hour or so.

If it's still sticky after that, gently knead in a tablespoon or two of extra flour until it comes together nicely, but be careful not to overwork the dough.

How do I stop my gingerbread people from spreading while baking?

Nobody wants a gingerbread blob! The key is cold ingredients and a cold oven. Make sure your butter isn't too soft when you cream it with the sugar. More importantly, make sure the dough is properly chilled at least 2 hours, but even overnight is better. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.

If you're really concerned, you can chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before baking.

Can I make the gingerbread dough ahead of time for my holiday baking?

Absolutely! This gingerbread dough actually benefits from some time in the fridge, like a fine wine. You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out.

My royal icing is either too runny or too stiff! How do I get it just right?

Royal icing is a bit like Goldilocks, it needs to be just right. The key is adding water gradually. Start with the minimum amount of water and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For outlining, you want a slightly thicker consistency (think toothpaste).

For flooding, add a touch more water until it's pourable but still holds its shape for a few seconds. A little patience goes a long way!

How long will my decorated gingerbread people last, and how should I store them?

These gingerbread people are surprisingly durable! Once the icing is completely dry, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them extra fresh and prevent them from getting sticky, you can add a slice of bread to the container, just like your gran would for a cake!

If you live in a particularly humid environment, you might want to add a desiccant packet to help absorb moisture.

Can I adapt this recipe for different dietary needs? What about gluten-free holiday baking?

Yes, a simple substitution of all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend will solve your needs! However, when using a gluten-free flour blend, make sure it contains xanthan gum, as it acts as a binder that replaces the gluten.

You can also replace the normal butter with a dairy-free option for those who are dairy intolerant or vegan. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to fit your needs!