🍪 Cut-Out Gingerbread Men with Cream Cheese Frosting – Spicy & Silky Holiday Delight! 🎄
These festive gingerbread men with tangy cream cheese frosting are the perfect holiday centerpiece for your cookie tray!
Transform your holiday baking with these soft, spiced gingerbread men drizzled in silky cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cookie swaps, gift baskets, or family gatherings, this recipe combines classic flavors with festive presentation. The warm cinnamon and ginger pair beautifully with the tangy, smooth frosting, creating a cookie that’s both comforting and elegant. With easy-to-follow steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll have a holiday favorite that’s sure to impress!
Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or a beginner, these gingerbread men offer the perfect balance of flavor and fun. The soft, chewy dough is shaped with cookie cutters, while the cream cheese frosting allows for creative piping designs. They pair beautifully with Royal Icing Snowflake Cookies for a complete holiday cookie collection.
What makes this recipe stand out? The dough is perfectly spiced with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced base. Plus, the recipe includes tips for achieving perfectly shaped cookies and piping techniques for professional-looking results.
Perfect for afternoons spent baking with family or friends, these cookies freeze beautifully and can be decorated ahead of time. With a festive shape and vibrant colors, they’ll add a touch of holiday magic to your table!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until combined. Stir in molasses and milk. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3: Divide dough into two discs. Wrap in plastic and chill for 1 hour.
- Step 4: On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using a gingerbread man cookie cutter. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Step 5: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Step 6: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Pipe frosting onto cooled cookies using a piping bag.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Effortless Baking
The dough requires minimal mixing and bakes quickly, making it ideal for busy bakers. Chilling the dough ensures clean cuts and prevents spreading.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Common pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter keep costs low while delivering high-quality results.
👥 Family-Friendly
Kids can help roll out dough, cut shapes, and decorate, making this a perfect family activity.
🌟 Show-Stopping Presentation
The combination of spiced dough and tangy frosting creates a visually stunning cookie that elevates any holiday spread.
Cut-Out Gingerbread Men with Cream Cheese Frosting
Festive holiday cookies with a tangy twist
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 tsp baking soda
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- - 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- - 1 large egg
- - 1/2 cup molasses
- - 1/4 cup milk
- - 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- - 8 oz cream cheese
- - 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- - 1/4 tsp salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg, molasses, and milk. Mix in dry ingredients.
💡 Chill dough for 1 hour for easier handling.
Roll and Cut: Roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to shape.
💡 Lightly flour work surface to prevent sticking.
Bake: Place on parchment-lined sheets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
💡 Cookies will be slightly underdone in center—this ensures soft texture.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
💡 Add food coloring for festive colors.
Decorate: Pipe frosting onto cooled cookies using a piping bag.
💡 Use a toothpick to create eyes and buttons.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Molasses
Adds depth of flavor and moisture. Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different twist.
Substitutions: Honey, maple syrup
Cream Cheese
Provides tangy contrast. Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Substitutions: Greek yogurt, mascarpone
Cinnamon
Key for warmth and spice. Adjust to taste or use pumpkin pie spice.
Substitutions: Pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg
Confectioners's Sugar
Creates smooth frosting. Use powdered sugar substitute for a vegan option.
Substitutions: Coconut flour + liquid sweetener
Pro Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Men
❄️ Chilling Technique
Chill dough for 1 hour to firm it up, making rolling and cutting easier without sticking.
🫧 Frosting Consistency
Add 1-2 tbsp milk to frosting if it’s too thick for piping. Test on parchment first.
🎨 Decorative Touches
Use food-safe markers or edible glitter for extra festive flair on the frosting.
📦 Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze decorated cookies for 2 months.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum to the dry ingredients for better structure.
Vegan Version
Substitute butter with vegan margarine, use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and opt for vegan cream cheese.
Mini Cookies
Roll dough thinner and cut smaller shapes for bite-sized versions perfect for parties.
Candy Decorations
Add candy eyes, peppermints, or sprinkles to the frosting for a kid-friendly touch.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Royal Icing Snowflake Cookies – Complements the spiced gingerbread with elegant white icing.
- Hot Cinnamon Tea – The warm spices pair beautifully with a spiced tea.
- Mini Peppermint Bark – Adds a cool, minty contrast to the warm cookies.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Serve with spiced cider or a mulled wine for a festive holiday touch.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough and freeze shaped cookies on baking sheets until firm. Transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the time.
Refrigerator Storage
Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Frost just before serving.
Freezer Storage
Freeze frosted cookies in a single layer on parchment paper, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Cookies are best served at room temperature. Avoid reheating to maintain soft texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?
A: Dough may not have been chilled enough. Chill for at least 1 hour and ensure oven temperature is accurate.
Q: Frosting is too runny. How do I fix it?
A: Chill frosting for 15 minutes or add 1-2 tbsp confectioners' sugar. Avoid over-mixing.
Q: Can I use a different cookie cutter shape?
A: Absolutely! Try stars, snowflakes, or Christmas trees. Adjust baking time slightly for thinner shapes.
Q: How do I prevent the frosting from sliding off?
A: Ensure cookies are completely cool before decorating. Use a small amount of frosting as a base before piping designs.
Final Thoughts
These Cut-Out Gingerbread Men with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just cookies—they’re a holiday tradition in every bite. With their warm spices, soft texture, and festive designs, they bring joy to baking sessions and holiday tables alike. Whether you’re gifting them in a cookie jar or enjoying them with a cup of tea, this recipe is a timeless favorite that’s sure to become a family heirloom.
Don’t forget to pair them with Royal Icing Snowflake Cookies for a complete holiday cookie collection. Pin this recipe now, and let the magic of homemade baking transform your festive celebrations!
