Introduction
Gingerbread men are a classic holiday treat that everyone loves. They’re not only delicious, but they’re also fun to make and decorate. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our soft gingerbread man recipe that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re making them with your kids or for a holiday party, these gingerbread men are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix 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 disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out the shapes.
- Place the gingerbread men on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Let the gingerbread men cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate the gingerbread men with icing and candies as desired.
- Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 gingerbread man
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 65mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
- Wire rack
- Icing and candies for decorating (optional)
Serving Suggestions
These soft gingerbread men are perfect for holiday parties or as a fun activity to do with kids. Serve them with hot cocoa or apple cider for a festive treat.
Variations
You can add different spices to the dough to give it a unique flavor. Try adding cardamom, allspice, or even black pepper for a spicy kick.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses, you can use dark corn syrup instead. You can also use white sugar instead of brown sugar, but it will change the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Storage
Store the gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Tips
Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and will help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Notes
This recipe makes about 2 dozen gingerbread men, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Can I freeze the baked gingerbread men?
Yes, you can freeze the baked gingerbread men for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Can I use this recipe to make other shapes?
Yes, you can use this recipe to make any shape you like. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Personal Thoughts
This soft gingerbread man recipe is one of my favorites. The cookies turn out soft and chewy, and the spices give them a delicious flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. I love making these cookies with my kids and decorating them with icing and candies. They’re always a hit at holiday parties and make great gifts too. If you’re looking for a fun and delicious holiday treat, give this soft gingerbread man recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!