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Looking for a holiday cookie that stands out from the usual sweet fare? These gingerbread men balance a sweet molasses and sugar kick with subtle hints of savory herbs. Topped with a maple-sage royal icing, this spirited twist on a classic treat is sure to delight friends, family, and anyone looking for something a little different.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage (optional for a savory hint)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- For the Maple-Sage Royal Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons milk, plus more as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage (or fresh, finely chopped)
Instructions
Begin by whisking together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and sage. Set this dry mixture aside. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for at least an hour, or up to overnight. Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into gingerbread men (or any shape you love), and transfer to prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just set. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
To make the Maple-Sage Royal Icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and sage until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add a bit more sugar. Spoon the icing into a piping bag (or a sturdy zip-top bag) and decorate your gingerbread men with lines, dots, and cheerful faces.
These sweet-and-savory gingerbread cookies are the perfect treat for anyone craving a twist on traditional holiday baking. They offer the comforting warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, balanced by that gentle sage note—a wonderful option for those who don’t love overtly sweet treats. If you have dietary concerns, you can use whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar as needed. Switch up the herbs (rosemary is another favorite) or a dash of chili powder for a bolder flavor. Enjoy customizing them to suit your palette while invoking that irresistible holiday spirit.
