Are you ready to catch a gingerbread man? This classic tale has been a favorite for generations, and now you can bring it to life with this delicious recipe. Not only will you enjoy reading the story, but you’ll also get to make and decorate your very own gingerbread man. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Assorted candies for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate the gingerbread men with assorted candies, if desired.
- Enjoy your freshly baked gingerbread men while reading the story of the gingerbread man!
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 gingerbread man
Calories: 170
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 65mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Equipment:
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
- Assorted candies for decorating (optional)
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your gingerbread men while reading the story of the gingerbread man!
Variations:
You can add different spices or flavors to the dough to make it your own. Try adding cloves, allspice, or cardamom. You can also add orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup instead. You can also use dark corn syrup in place of molasses. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar.
Storage:
Your gingerbread men will keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature so that it creams easily with the brown sugar.
- Chilling the dough before rolling it out will make it easier to work with and help the gingerbread men keep their shape.
- Use a pastry brush to brush off excess flour from the dough before baking.
Notes:
This recipe makes about 20 gingerbread men, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
No, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Personal Thoughts:
This gingerbread man recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also a fun way to bring the classic story to life. The dough comes together easily and the gingerbread men bake up beautifully. Decorating them with assorted candies is a great way to get creative and have some fun. I highly recommend trying this recipe out for yourself!
Summary:
This recipe for gingerbread men is a fun and delicious way to bring the classic story of the gingerbread man to life. The dough is easy to make and the gingerbread men bake up beautifully. Decorate them with assorted candies for a fun and creative touch. Enjoy them while reading the story of the gingerbread man!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and catch that gingerbread man!