Looking for a fun activity to do with your kids during the holidays? Making gingerbread men is the perfect activity that will keep your kids entertained and satisfied. Gingerbread men are not only fun to make, but they are also delicious and a great way to bond with your little ones. In this article, we will share with you two different gingerbread man recipes that are perfect for kids to make and enjoy.
Classic Gingerbread Man Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Beat in the egg, then molasses.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until well blended.
- Divide the dough in half and wrap each half with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out the shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 140 calories, 4g fat, 24g carbohydrates, 2g protein, 1g fiber, 15mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium.
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes, Cook Time: 12 minutes, Total Time: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Equipment:
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions:
Gingerbread men are perfect for decorating with royal icing, candy, or chocolate chips. Serve with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Variations:
You can add 1/2 tsp of nutmeg or cloves to the dough for a spicier flavor. You can also substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup.
Substitutions:
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, or coconut oil instead of butter.
Storage:
Store gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips:
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Use a sharp knife to trim the edges of the gingerbread men after baking for a clean finish.
- Decorate with different colors of royal icing for a festive look.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze gingerbread men dough?
- Can I use dark molasses?
- Can I use cookie cutters for other shapes?
Yes, you can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes, dark molasses will give the gingerbread men a deeper color and stronger flavor.
Yes, you can use other holiday-themed cookie cutters to make different shapes.
Quick and Easy Gingerbread Man Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 box gingerbread cake mix
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine gingerbread cake mix and flour.
- Add vegetable oil, water, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out the shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 180 calories, 8g fat, 27g carbohydrates, 1g protein, 0g fiber, 15mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium.
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 12 minutes, Total Time: 22 minutes
Equipment:
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions:
Gingerbread men are perfect for decorating with royal icing, candy, or chocolate chips. Serve with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Variations:
You can add 1/2 tsp of nutmeg or cloves to the dough for a spicier flavor. You can also add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough for extra texture.
Substitutions:
You can use applesauce instead of oil, or egg replacer instead of egg for a vegan option.
Storage:
Store gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips:
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Use a sharp knife to trim the edges of the gingerbread men after baking for a clean finish.
- Decorate with different colors of royal icing for a festive look.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze gingerbread men dough?
- Can I use other cake mixes?
- Can I make gingerbread houses with this recipe?
Yes, you can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can use other flavors of cake mix to make different types of cookies.
Yes, you can use this recipe to make gingerbread houses by cutting out larger pieces and assembling them with royal icing.
Personal Thoughts
Making gingerbread men is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s a great way to spend time with my kids and create delicious treats that we can all enjoy. The classic gingerbread man recipe is perfect for those who love the traditional spicy flavor, while the quick and easy recipe is perfect for those who want something that is fast and simple. Both recipes are fun and easy to make, and the possibilities for decorating are endless. I encourage you to try out these recipes with your kids and make some memories that will last a lifetime.