Introduction
Gather around, folks, because we’re about to dive into a sweet and spicy tale about the origin of gingerbread man. This beloved cookie has been a favorite for centuries, and its story is just as fascinating as its taste. So, let’s put on our aprons, preheat our ovens, and get ready to make some gingerbread men while we learn about their history.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour – 1 tbsp ground ginger – 1 tsp ground cinnamon – 1 tsp baking powder – 1 tsp baking soda – 1/2 tsp salt – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1/2 cup brown sugar – 1/2 cup molasses – 1 large egg – 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar together until creamy. 3. Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. 4. Gradually stir in dry ingredients mixture until combined. 5. Divide the dough into two parts, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour. 6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s 1/4 inch thick. 8. Cut out gingerbread man shapes with a cookie cutter and place them on a baking sheet. 9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm. 10. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before decorating them with icing.
Nutritional Information
– Calories: 150 – Fat: 5g – Carbohydrates: 24g – Protein: 2g – Sodium: 105mg – Sugar: 13g
Cooking Time
– Preparation Time: 25 minutes – Cooking Time: 12 minutes – Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Equipment
– Mixing bowls – Whisk – Electric mixer – Plastic wrap – Rolling pin – Gingerbread man cookie cutter – Baking sheet – Parchment paper – Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. – Decorate with icing or candy for a fun and festive dessert. – Share with friends and family during the holiday season.
Variations
– Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture. – Use different cookie cutter shapes for a themed party or event. – Swap out the molasses for honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
Substitutions
– Use margarine or shortening instead of butter for a dairy-free option. – Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. – Swap out brown sugar for white sugar or coconut sugar for a different taste.
Storage
– Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. – Freeze for up to a month in a freezer-safe container.
Tips
– Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle. – Use a spatula to transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack. – Let the cookies cool completely before decorating them with icing or candy.
Notes
– The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. – This recipe makes about 24 gingerbread men cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the gingerbread man story?
The origin of the gingerbread man story is unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Gingerbread cookies get their spice from ginger, cinnamon, and other warming spices like nutmeg and cloves.
Yes, you can use a knife or scissors to cut out gingerbread man shapes from the dough.
Personal Thoughts
Gingerbread men are not only delicious, but they also have a rich history that makes them even more special. I love making these cookies during the holiday season and sharing them with my loved ones. The combination of warm spices and sweet molasses is irresistible, and they’re so much fun to decorate. I encourage everyone to try making gingerbread men at least once in their life and experience the joy of this classic cookie.