The Perfect Holiday Treat
The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by making your own Gingerbread Man Christmas Decorations? This classic recipe is a delicious and fun way to get the whole family involved in the holiday festivities. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a total novice, this step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect gingerbread men every time!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until well combined. Add the molasses and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove one of the dough balls from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough ball until all the dough has been used.
- Decorate your gingerbread men with icing, sprinkles, or any other festive decorations you like!
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 gingerbread man (without decorations)
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
- Sodium: 132mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Total time: 2 hours (including refrigeration time)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Icing and decorations (optional)
Serving Suggestions
These Gingerbread Man Christmas Decorations are the perfect festive treat to share with family and friends. Serve them up with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled wine for the ultimate holiday experience!
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for some extra texture and flavor. You can also substitute the molasses for honey or maple syrup for a slightly different taste.
Storage
These Gingerbread Man Christmas Decorations can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them for longer, they can be frozen for up to three months.
Tips and Notes
To make your gingerbread men extra crispy, roll the dough out as thin as you can before cutting out the shapes. You can also chill the dough in the fridge for longer to help it firm up before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Can I use this recipe to make other shapes?
Absolutely! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like with this recipe.
Personal Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked gingerbread during the holiday season! These Gingerbread Man Christmas Decorations are a classic treat that never gets old. I love how easy they are to make, and how much fun it is to decorate them with the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a festive snack or a fun activity to do with the kids, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try for yourself and spread some holiday cheer this year? Happy baking!