Get ready for the holiday season with this easy gingerbread man recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Gingerbread men are a classic favorite during this time of year, and making them from scratch is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time. So, gather up your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk.
- Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Each gingerbread man cookie contains approximately:
- 120 calories
- 2g protein
- 19g carbohydrates
- 4g fat
- 1g fiber
- 10g sugar
- 80mg sodium
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: approximately 2 hours (including chilling time)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutters
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
Gingerbread men are perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or as a festive treat for your family. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday snack.
Variations:
Get creative with your gingerbread men by adding decorations like sprinkles, icing, or candy. You can also try using different cookie cutters to make different shapes, or add in other spices like cloves or allspice for a unique flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute honey or maple syrup. You can also use margarine or shortening instead of butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Storage:
Gingerbread men can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Chilling the dough before rolling it out makes it easier to work with.
- Don’t overbake the cookies, or they will be too hard.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour to the surface and the rolling pin.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating them.
Notes:
This recipe makes approximately 24 gingerbread men, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. You can easily double the recipe if you need more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can roll the dough into balls and flatten them with a glass or use a knife to cut out shapes.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Can I use this recipe to make gingerbread houses?
Yes! This recipe works well for gingerbread houses. Just use thicker pieces of dough and bake for a few extra minutes.
Personal Thoughts:
This easy gingerbread man recipe is a holiday favorite in my house. The warm spices and molasses give the cookies a rich, festive flavor that is perfect for this time of year. Plus, they are fun and easy to make with the whole family. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why gingerbread men are a beloved holiday tradition.