simple gingerbread man recipe

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The Best simple gingerbread man recipe

I love making gingerbread men for my family. It’s a classic recipe that never fails to put a smile on our faces.

The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a perfect activity for kids to help with in the kitchen. My kids always get excited when they see the dough coming together, and the end result is always worth the effort.

We’ve made this recipe countless times, but it never gets old. Whether we’re celebrating a holiday or just need a fun treat on a regular day, this gingerbread man recipe is always a hit.

The combination of spices and molasses gives the cookies a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, the process of rolling out the dough and cutting out the shapes is so much fun!

My kids love helping me decorate them with icing and sprinkles once they’re baked. It’s a great way to spend quality time together as a family and create some delicious memories.

4.6 from 1931 votes

A classic and easy-to-make gingerbread man recipe perfect for holiday treats. This recipe yields soft, chewy gingerbread cookies with a delightful spiced flavor.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time10-12 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time25 mins

Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup packed light-brown sugar

1 large egg

2 tbsp molasses

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.

2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

3Prepare a large mixing bowl and use it to combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

4In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and molasses until well combined and smooth.

5Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.

6The dough should be slightly sticky.

7Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

8This step is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

9Place the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.

10Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread man shapes.

11Place the cut-outs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

12Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

13Allow the gingerbread men to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

14Once cooled, decorate with royal icing or your preferred decorations.

15Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl

Baking sheet

Rolling pin

Cookie cutters

Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 100mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a more festive touch, use holiday-themed cookie cutters and decorate with colorful icing.

Watch Video Of How Simple Gingerbread Man Recipe Works

This simple gingerbread man recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday or just a regular Tuesday.

The best part is that it’s easy to make ahead of time and freeze for later use, making it perfect for busy families like mine.

We love serving these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or enjoying them as an after-school snack.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Man

Q: What kind of flour should I use for this recipe?

A: I recommend using all-purpose flour for this gingerbread man recipe. It provides the right balance of strength and tenderness for these cookies.

Q: Can I use butter instead of shortening?

A: While you can use butter, it will give your gingerbread men a slightly different flavor and texture than using shortening.

Q: How do I store leftover gingerbread men?

A: You can store leftover gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Q: How do I know if my gingerbread men are done baking?

A: Check your gingerbread men after 8-10 minutes of baking. They should be firm to the touch and lightly golden brown.

simple gingerbread man recipe

The Best simple gingerbread man recipe