Best Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.

Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use gingerbread men cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the remaining dough portion.

Once the cookies have cooled, decorate with icing sugar to resemble gingerbread men.