Nothing screams festive quite like gingerbread cookies, and these gingerbread man buttons are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a fun twist on the classic gingerbread man cookie. Plus, they make great decorations for your tree or as edible gifts for your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup red and green M&Ms
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the molasses and egg, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, mixing well after each addition. The dough will be quite sticky, but that’s okay.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough portions to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a small round cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough.
- Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until just starting to turn golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stovetop until smooth. Use a small spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies in a zigzag pattern.
- Immediately press a red or green M&M onto the center of each cookie to create the “button” effect. Let the chocolate set before serving or storing.
- Repeat with the remaining dough until all the cookies are baked and decorated.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 85
Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 13mg
Sodium: 76mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0.3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Total time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Small round cookie cutter
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Microwave or stove for melting chocolate
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread man buttons are perfect for serving at holiday parties or as a festive snack during the holiday season. They also make great decorations for your Christmas tree or as edible gifts for your loved ones.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try using different colored M&Ms or other small candies to create different “button” colors. You could also leave off the chocolate drizzle and simply use the candies to create the buttons.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. You could also use dark corn syrup, but that will result in a slightly different flavor profile. If you don’t have white chocolate chips, you could use milk or dark chocolate instead.
Storage
These cookies 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
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Use a small cookie cutter to make the circles. If you don’t have one, you could also use the top of a shot glass or a small round lid.
- Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before decorating them with the chocolate and candies. This will prevent the decorations from melting or sliding off.
Notes
These cookies are best enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of cocoa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, we recommend using butter for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
These gingerbread man buttons are a fun and festive twist on the classic gingerbread cookie. They’re easy to make and perfect for serving at holiday parties or as edible gifts for your loved ones. With their cute “button” decorations, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. So why not give them a try this holiday season?