If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids, why not try making gingerbread men? Not only is it a great way to spend quality time together, but it also teaches children about following instructions, measuring ingredients, and the science behind baking. Plus, who doesn’t love a tasty gingerbread man?
In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed recipe for making gingerbread men, as well as some tips, variations, and serving suggestions. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and beat until well combined.
- Stir in the molasses and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator and roll out to 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Repeat with the remaining dough, re-rolling scraps as necessary.
- Cool the gingerbread men completely on a wire rack before decorating with icing or candy.
Nutritional Information
Each gingerbread man (assuming you make 24) will have approximately:
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: Approximately 2 hours
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Gingerbread men are perfect for holiday parties, school events, or just as a fun snack. You can serve them plain, or decorate them with icing, candy, or sprinkles. They also make great gifts when wrapped up in cellophane bags with a festive ribbon.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, try these variations:
- Use cookie cutters in different shapes, such as Christmas trees, stars, or snowflakes.
- Add chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries to the dough.
- Make a gingerbread house instead of gingerbread men.
- Use different spices, such as cloves or allspice, to give the gingerbread a unique flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Replace the unsalted butter with salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Use white sugar instead of brown sugar.
- Substitute honey or corn syrup for the molasses.
- Use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
Storage
Gingerbread men can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Don’t overbake the gingerbread men, or they will be too hard.
- Use a piping bag to decorate the gingerbread men with icing.
Notes
If you’re making gingerbread men with young children, be sure to supervise them closely when using the oven and any sharp tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is important to prevent the gingerbread men from spreading too much in the oven. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
Can I use this recipe to make a gingerbread house?
Yes, you can use this recipe to make a gingerbread house. You may need to double the recipe depending on the size of your house.
Personal Thoughts
Making gingerbread men is not only a fun and educational activity, but it’s also a great way to get into the holiday spirit. I love how easy this recipe is to follow, and how delicious the gingerbread men turn out. They’re the perfect treat to serve at a holiday party or to give as a gift. I hope you’ll try making them for yourself and enjoy them as much as I do!