Gingerbread Men
Indulge in the festive spirit with our delightful gingerbread men recipe! These charming cookies are not only fun to make but also perfect for decorating with loved ones. With warm spices like ginger and cinnamon, each bite offers a cozy flavor that’s synonymous with holiday cheer. Whether for gifting or snacking, these gingerbread men are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Royal icing for decorating
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 gingerbread men. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, and cooking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 gingerbread man) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 6g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Protein: 2g
– Fiber: 0.5g
– Sugar: 10g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap.
6. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
9. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
10. Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
11. Allow to cool before decorating with royal icing.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Honey can replace molasses for a different flavor, and you can use powdered sugar for the icing instead of royal icing.
Serving and Pairings
Gingerbread men are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. They also make great festive decorations for holiday parties.
Storage and Reheating
Store gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. No need to reheat; simply enjoy them at room temperature!
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough can cause the cookies to spread too much.
- Using expired spices can diminish flavor.
- Baking at incorrect temperatures can lead to uneven cooking.
- Forgetting to line the baking sheet may cause sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Use cookie cutters with varying sizes for fun shapes.
- Decorate with colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Let the cookies cool completely before icing.
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
FAQs
Can I make gingerbread men ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for longer. This allows you to bake them fresh when needed.
How do I store leftover gingerbread men?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last up to a week at room temperature.
What can I use instead of royal icing?
You can use melted chocolate or simple icing made from powdered sugar and water as an alternative for decorating.
Can gingerbread men be frozen?
Absolutely! Gingerbread men can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are in an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
Why did my gingerbread men spread too much?
If your cookies spread excessively, it may be due to warm dough or insufficient chilling. Ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled before baking.
Conclusion
Gingerbread men are a timeless holiday treat that brings joy to both baking and sharing. With their delightful flavor and charming appearance, these cookies are perfect for family gatherings, gifts, or simply enjoying at home. Embrace the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with this fun recipe!
Gingerbread Men
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing for decorating
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes.
- Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow to cool before decorating with royal icing.