My Favorite Gingerbread Men Recipe
Try this My Favorite Gingerbread Men Recipe recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this My Favorite Gingerbread Men Recipe recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 10 tablespoons (145g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2/3 cup (160ml) unsulphured molasses (i use grandma's mola
- 1 large eggland's best egg at room temperature
- 3 and 1/2 cups (437g) all-purpose flour ( spoon and leve
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger (yes 1 full tablespoon!)
- easy royal icing or your favorite icing recipe
- cookie cutter(s)
- rolling pin (here's the one i own)
- large baking sheets (these are what i use for cook
- silicone baking mats (preferred for cookie baking!
- Carbohydrate 0.332567326920278 g
- Cholesterol 20.3354166666667 mg
- Fat 7.68366454861929 g
- Fiber 0.188974301264468 g
- Protein 0.0973391666929757 g
- Saturated Fat 4.86190796528005 g
- Serving Size 1 1 four-inch cookie (10g)
- Sodium 54.6124965278437 mg
- Sugar 0.14359302565581 g
- Trans Fat 0.541560829864944 g
- Calories 69 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add the brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium high speed until combined and creamy-looking. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Next, beat in egg and vanilla on high speed for 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. The butter may separate; that's ok.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves together until combined.
- On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be quite thick and slightly sticky.
- Divide dough into thirds and place each third onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap each up tightly and pat down to create a disc shape. Chill discs for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.
- Preheat oven to 350degreesF (177degreesC). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- Remove 1 disc of chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Generously flour a work surface, as well as your hands and the rolling pin. Roll out disc until 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut into shapes. Place shapes 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Re-roll dough scraps until all the dough is shaped. Repeat with remaining discs of dough.
- Bake cookies for about 9-10 minutes. If your cookie cutters are smaller than 4 inches, bake for about 8 minutes. If your cookie cutters are larger than 4 inches, bake for about 11 minutes. Rotate the pan once during bake time.
- Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cool, decorate as desired.
- Make ahead tip: Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week. Baked and decorated (or not decorated) cookies freeze well - up to three months. Unbaked cookie dough discs freeze well - up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then continue with step 3.
My Favorite Gingerbread Men: A Holiday Tradition
The aroma of gingerbread baking fills my home every holiday season. It's a tradition I cherish, passed down from generations of home bakers. This year, I'm sharing my treasured gingerbread men recipe – a recipe that has brought joy to countless holiday gatherings. More than just a cookie, these gingerbread men are symbols of warmth, family, and the festive spirit. The rich, spicy flavor and perfectly crisp texture make them irresistible. From the moment I begin mixing the dough, the anticipation of the sweet, spicy aroma filling my kitchen is a comfort. The process is a meditative one, allowing me to slow down and focus on the simple pleasures of baking. The act of rolling out the dough, cutting the shapes, and watching them bake is therapeutic, a moment to disconnect from the daily hustle and embrace the joy of creating something delicious and special. These cookies aren't just for Christmas; they're a perfect treat anytime you need a little holiday cheer in your life.
The key to perfect gingerbread men lies in the chilling process. Allowing the dough to chill thoroughly ensures that the cookies won't spread too much during baking, resulting in beautifully shaped gingerbread men. This chilling time also intensifies the flavors, allowing them to meld and deepen. I often prepare the dough the night before, allowing it to rest overnight in the refrigerator. When it comes to decorating, let your imagination run wild! Whether you prefer simple elegance or a burst of colorful creativity, these cookies are a blank canvas for your artistic expression. The anticipation of decorating is almost as exciting as the baking itself. It's a fun activity to do with family and friends, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories. I often have decorating parties with my friends, turning the cookie decorating into a festive social event. There’s just something so satisfying about adding those tiny details, creating the little flourishes that make each cookie unique.
This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it's a journey, a fragrant adventure that brings out the best in the holiday season. From the moment you begin mixing the ingredients, a sense of comfort and excitement permeates the air. The rich molasses, the warm spices, and the creamy butter combine to create a magical flavor profile that evokes cherished memories and the promise of joyful gatherings. And honestly, the best part is sharing them. These gingerbread men are more than just a delicious treat; they are a testament to the power of tradition and the simple joy of baking. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a sure-fire hit. It's a recipe that brings people together, fostering connection and sharing warmth through a delicious, delightful treat. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and let the magic of gingerbread baking begin!
Beyond the Recipe: Gingerbread Men and Memories
These gingerbread men are more than just a recipe; they're a collection of memories. I remember helping my grandmother in her kitchen, the scent of ginger and cinnamon enveloping us as we carefully rolled out the dough. Each cookie was a miniature masterpiece, lovingly decorated and arranged on the baking sheets. They weren’t perfect; some were a little lopsided, some had oddly shaped buttons, but their imperfections only added to their charm. It wasn't just about the cookies themselves; it was about the time spent together, the laughter, the shared experience of creating something special. This recipe continues that tradition, carrying the warmth and love of those memories into my own kitchen and beyond.
The simple act of baking is itself therapeutic. It’s a way to unplug, to slow down, to focus on the present moment. The rhythmic motions of mixing, kneading, and rolling provide a sense of calm amid the often chaotic pace of modern life. And when the cookies are finally ready, the sheer joy of sharing them with loved ones is an unparalleled satisfaction. The smiles, the compliments, the shared moments of delight – these are the true rewards of baking. This is the heart of what baking these gingerbread men means to me.
More than simply a sweet treat, these gingerbread men represent the spirit of the holidays, the warmth of family, and the simple pleasures of home. They are a reminder to cherish the small moments, to find joy in the process, and to share the love with those we care about. And so, I encourage you to try this recipe, to create your own memories, and to share the warmth and sweetness of gingerbread with everyone you love. Every bite is a journey, a taste of tradition, a moment of connection. Happy baking!
