Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread Men
Introduction
Gingerbread Men are not just cookies; they are a fun holiday tradition! With their charming shapes and sweet spices, these treats bring joy to kitchens everywhere. Making them is a simple way to get into the festive spirit, whether you’re baking alone or with friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
This Gingerbread Men recipe is perfect for the holiday season or any chilly day! The smell of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, decorating these little guys is a fun activity with kids and a great way to unleash your creativity! When we made them last year, our whole family was involved, and it became a cherished memory.
How to Make Gingerbread Men
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar. Then, add the molasses, egg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.
- Let them cool on a wire rack and decorate as you like!
How to Serve Gingerbread Men
These cute cookies can be served at holiday parties, given as gifts, or enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa. They make fantastic decorations and tasty treats! You can even hang some on the tree for a fun touch.
How to Store Gingerbread Men
To keep your Gingerbread Men fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months!
Tips to Make Gingerbread Men
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the chilling time; it helps the dough hold its shape when baking.
- Get creative with decorating! Use icing, sprinkles, or candies to make your cookies unique.
Variation
You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist! You can also use different cookie cutters for various shapes, from stars to trees.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking!
Q: How can I decorate my Gingerbread Men?
A: Use royal icing, colored sugar, and candies to create fun designs on your cookies.
Q: Why are my cookies not holding their shape?
A: Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out, as this helps maintain the shapes during baking.
Now, gather your ingredients and start baking these delightful Gingerbread Men! They are sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer to everyone who tries them.
Gingerbread Men
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar. Then, add the molasses, egg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.
- Let them cool on a wire rack and decorate as you like!
