Looking for a unique and tasty way to spice up your holiday baking? Why not try making gingerbread men in disguise! These fun and festive treats are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. In this article, we’ll share some creative gingerbread man in disguise ideas along with all the information you need to make them yourself.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Assorted decorations (such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, and icing)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
- Add molasses and vanilla; beat until well blended.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth.
- Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease or line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin. Roll dough to a scant 1/4-inch thick.
- Use additional flour to avoid sticking.
- Cut out cookies with desired cutter shapes. Transfer to prepared pans, arranging cookies 1 inch apart.
- Bake on the middle rack until dough has set but centers are still soft, about 6 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven to cool on pans for 2 minutes. Remove cookies from pan, cool on wire racks.
- Decorate the gingerbread men in disguise with assorted decorations such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, and icing. Get creative and have fun!
Nutritional Information
Each gingerbread man in disguise contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Sodium: 116mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
- Rolling pin
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread men in disguise are perfect for holiday parties or as a fun family activity. Serve them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delicious and festive treat!
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your gingerbread men in disguise! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use different cookie cutters to create different shapes and characters.
- Instead of decorating with icing, try using melted chocolate or candy melts.
- Add festive spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the dough.
- For a healthier twist, try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour.
- If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
Storage
Store gingerbread men in disguise in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips and Notes
- Make sure to let the dough chill before rolling and cutting to prevent it from sticking and breaking.
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water to help it come together.
- For a softer cookie, bake for less time. For a crunchier cookie, bake for longer.
- Have fun and get creative with your decorations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Personal Thoughts
These gingerbread men in disguise are not only delicious, but they’re also a fun and creative way to celebrate the holidays. I love how versatile this recipe is and how you can really let your imagination run wild when it comes to decorating them. Plus, they make great gifts or party favors! I encourage everyone to give this recipe a try and see how much fun you can have with it.