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This simple gingerbread men recipe is soft and delicious- perfect for cookie exchanges!

Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies

The perfect recipe for soft and delicious gingerbread cookies. 

Author Kristen | Ella Claire & Co.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. cloves
  • 1 tsp. ginger
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tblsp. vinegar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for flouring surface)

Instructions

  1. With a mixer, beat shortening on high speed for 30 seconds or until light and fluffy. 

  2. Add sugar, spices, baking powder and baking soda and mix until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. 

  3. Mix in egg. Mix in molasses and vinegar, again scraping the bowl until evenly combined. 

  4. Add flour until evenly combined. 

  5. Wrap dough in parchment and refrigerate for 3 hours. I like to make it more flat and rectangular instead of a round ball. This makes it chill more quickly and evenly.

  6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

  7. Roll out dough on floured surface, 1/2 at a time, to be a little thicker than 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut dough into shapes.

  8. Bake for 5-6 minutes or until tops of cookies are barely dry. 

  9. Decorate as desired.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.