ginger bread man recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ginger bread man recipe

I’ve been making this ginger bread man recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household during the holiday season. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they always get excited when they see the dough come together. The smell of ginger and molasses wafting through the house is just the best, and it’s a smell that immediately transports me back to my childhood.

My grandmother used to make these for our family gatherings, and I’m so grateful to have carried on the tradition. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make – even my kids can help with mixing the dough! We like to use a combination of white and brown sugar to give it that perfect balance of sweetness.

It’s also incredibly versatile – we’ve made it into men, women, and even animals using different shapes of cookie cutters. And let’s not forget the health benefits – whole wheat flour, spices, and molasses make this recipe a great option for those looking for a healthier treat. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, baking these always puts me in a better mood.

The process of kneading the dough is so therapeutic, and there’s something so satisfying about seeing your hard work pay off when you take that first bite. My family loves when I make these for special occasions – they’re always a hit! But honestly, we enjoy them just as much on a regular Tuesday night as we do during the holidays.

There’s just something about the combination of spices and sweetness that makes you feel all cozy inside.

Gingerbread Men

4.5 from 1203 votes

Classic gingerbread cookies shaped like little men, perfect for holiday baking. These spiced cookies are crisp on the edges and soft in the center, with a warm blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
3/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assorted sprinkles or candies

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Set aside.
2In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3Add egg, molasses, and vanilla, then beat until well combined.
4Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
6Chilling prevents spreading and makes rolling easier.
7Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
8On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
9Cut out gingerbread men with a floured cutter, then transfer them to the prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
10Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden.
11The centers will still be soft.
12Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
13For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
14Transfer to a piping bag or use a small spoon to pipe eyes, mouths, and buttons onto the cooled cookies.
15Add sprinkles or candies while the icing is still wet.
16Let icing set for 30 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Rolling pin
Gingerbread man cookie cutter
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire rack
Piping bag or small spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 120mg🌾Total Carbs: 27g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0.5g🍬Sugars: 15g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For softer cookies, bake for 8 minutes. For crisper cookies, bake for 10 minutes. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before rolling.

Watch Video Of How Gingerbread Men Works

One thing I love about this recipe is how well it stores – they keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. And when you do want to serve them up again, they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

My kids love helping me reheat them by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and baking them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This way, they stay soft and delicious while still retaining their festive shape.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Men

Q: What type of flour is best to use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I like to use a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. The all-purpose flour gives it a nice texture, while the whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrition.

Q: Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger! In fact, using fresh ginger will give your ginger bread men an even more intense flavor. Just be sure to peel and grate the fresh ginger before adding it to the dough.

Q: How long does it take to make these?

This recipe is actually quite quick to make – you can have the dough ready in under 10 minutes! Of course, letting it rise takes some time, but that’s just part of the process.

Q: Can I store these in an airtight container?

Yes, you can store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight.

Q: What are some fun ways to decorate these?

We like to get creative with our decorations! Some ideas include using royal icing to write names or messages on each man, or adding small candies or sprinkles on top for extra color and fun.

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