Introduction
Are you a fan of Shrek and his hilarious sidekick, the Gingerbread Man? Well, now you can bring a piece of the movie into your own kitchen with this delicious gingerbread man recipe! Perfect for the holiday season or just as a fun treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and spicy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two pieces, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 gingerbread man
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 8-10 minutes per batch Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread men are perfect for decorating with icing, candies, and other festive toppings. They also make a great gift or party favor when wrapped in cellophane bags or boxes.
Variations
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the dough. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters for a fun and creative twist.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Storage
Store the gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle. You can also use a flour-dusted silicone mat for rolling out the dough to prevent it from sticking to the surface.
Notes
This recipe makes about 12-15 gingerbread men, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine in place of butter, it may affect the texture and taste of the cookies.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more gingerbread men.
Personal Thoughts
Overall, this Gingerbread Man from Shrek recipe is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season or just enjoy a tasty treat. The combination of spices and molasses creates a rich and flavorful dough that is perfect for decorating and enjoying with family and friends. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how tasty these little guys can be?