As the holidays approach, it’s time to indulge in some festive treats. Little Debbie Gingerbread Men are a classic holiday favorite that are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. This recipe is sure to fill your home with the warm and spicy aromas of gingerbread, and bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses and egg, and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into small balls, and then roll in granulated sugar.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with frosting, if desired, and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 105
- Total Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
- Sodium: 99mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugars: 9.5g
- Protein: 1.2g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer or hand-held mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Serving Suggestions
Little Debbie Gingerbread Men are a fun and festive treat that are perfect for sharing. Serve them up with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider, and enjoy the warm and cozy flavors of the holiday season.
Variations
If you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the dough for an extra burst of flavor. You can also use different types of molasses or spices to give your gingerbread men a unique twist.
Substitutions
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, you can try substituting some of the ingredients. Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour, and use coconut sugar or honey instead of brown sugar. You can also use a flax egg or applesauce in place of the egg to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Storage
Little Debbie 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 2 months.
Tips
- Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll the dough into small balls to ensure that the cookies bake evenly.
- Don’t overbake the cookies, or they will become dry and brittle.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I use blackstrap molasses?
Yes, you can use blackstrap molasses, but keep in mind that it has a stronger flavor than regular molasses.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can use margarine, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.
Final Thoughts
Little Debbie Gingerbread Men are a classic holiday treat that are sure to bring a smile to your face. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The warm and spicy flavors of gingerbread are a perfect match for the cozy winter months, and these cookies are sure to become a new holiday favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get baking!