Gingerbread Man

Ingredients

Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 sticks, softened
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Icing

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 Tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Decoration

• Mini chocolate chips or raisins for eyes and buttons

Instructions

Dough

1. Whisk the dry ingredients.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg, molasses and vanilla.
3. Mix in the dry ingredients on low.
4. Divide into 2 disks, wrap, chill at least 2 hours.

Bake

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 2 sheet pans.
2. Roll 1/4 inch thick between parchment. Cut shapes, 1 inch apart.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes for soft, 10 to 12 for crisp. Cool 5 minutes on the pan.

Decorate

1. Whisk the icing thick but pipeable. Pipe faces and press on chips or raisins while wet.

Tips

Nut-free: chips, raisins or sprinkles for decoration.

Freezer: dough keeps 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

With kids: decorating is the fun part.

Inspired by Hero's Feast