Gingerbread men are a classic holiday treat that have been enjoyed for generations. These simple yet delicious cookies are perfect for decorating and sharing with friends and family. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make plain gingerbread men that are sure to delight everyone who tries them. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and egg, and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix 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.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thickness.
- Using gingerbread men cookie cutters, cut out shapes and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
Nutritional Information
Each plain gingerbread man cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
- Sodium: 83mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
The total time required to make these plain gingerbread men is approximately 2 hours, including 1 hour of refrigeration time.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Gingerbread men cookie cutters
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These plain gingerbread men are perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, and other festive toppings. Serve them at holiday parties or wrap them up as gifts for friends and family.
Variations
If you want to add some extra flavor to these plain gingerbread men, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest or a tablespoon of finely chopped crystallized ginger to the dough. You can also substitute brown sugar for the granulated sugar for a deeper, richer flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute honey or maple syrup instead. You can also use margarine or shortening instead of butter if you prefer.
Storage
Store these plain gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling and cutting to make it easier to handle.
- Use a light hand when rolling out the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Don’t over-bake the cookies or they will become too hard.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
Notes
This recipe makes about 24 plain gingerbread men, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Can I use this recipe to make other shapes?
Absolutely! This recipe can be used to make any shape of gingerbread cookie you like.
Personal Thoughts
These plain gingerbread men are a staple in my holiday baking repertoire. They’re easy to make and always turn out perfectly. I love decorating them with colorful icing and sharing them with friends and family. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
In summary, these plain gingerbread men are a classic holiday treat that are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make these cookies in no time. So why not give them a try and start a new holiday tradition?