Have you ever heard the story of the gingerbread man? It’s a classic tale of a little cookie that comes to life and runs away from everyone who tries to catch him. Well, now you can bring that story to life in your own kitchen with this delicious gingerbread man recipe! Not only is it a fun activity to do with kids, but it’s also a delicious treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
These gingerbread men are delicious on their own, but you can also decorate them with icing or candy for a fun and festive touch. Serve them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for the perfect holiday treat.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up, try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough before baking. You can also experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute honey or maple syrup instead. You can also use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
Storage:
Store these gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
- Don’t over-bake the cookies, as they can become hard and dry.
- If you’re using a metal cookie cutter, dip it in flour before cutting out the dough to prevent sticking.
Notes:
This recipe makes about 24 gingerbread men, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
Can I use this recipe to make gingerbread houses?
Yes, you can use this recipe to make gingerbread houses. Just make sure to roll the dough out slightly thicker than you would for cookies to make it sturdier.
Personal Thoughts:
I absolutely love this gingerbread man recipe! It’s so fun to make with kids, and the cookies themselves are delicious. I love how the spices come together to create a warm and comforting flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re making these for a party or just as a fun activity with your family, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!