gingerbread man easy recipe

gingerbread man easy recipe

The Best gingerbread man easy recipe

I’m so excited to share this easy gingerbread man recipe with you all! I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I love that it’s a classic recipe that’s been around for centuries, originating from the traditional German cookies called ‘Lebkuchen.’

The history behind this sweet treat is fascinating, and I’m happy to share it with you all. When I make these gingerbread men, I like to think about the traditional method of baking them on a griddle or in a cast-iron skillet. There’s something special about using a griddle that adds a unique texture and flavor to the cookies. My kids love helping me mix the dough and shape the gingerbread men into fun shapes.

They’re so proud of themselves when they see the finished product. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party or just a Tuesday night dessert. And the best part is that they’re relatively healthy compared to other sweet treats. With only 2 tablespoons of sugar in the entire recipe, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family.

Plus, they’re made with wholesome ingredients like molasses and honey. When I serve these gingerbread men at parties or gatherings, everyone raves about them. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, and they’re just as delicious served warm or at room temperature. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can customize the shapes, decorations, and even add-ins to make them your own. My kids love getting creative with sprinkles, icing, and other toppings. This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m confident it will be in yours too once you give it a try.

Easy Gingerbread Men

Easy Gingerbread Men

4.7 from 1220 votes

These classic gingerbread men are simple to make and perfect for holiday decorating. The dough is easy to handle and bakes into crisp, spiced cookies that hold their shape.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cookies

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

For Decoration (optional)

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Set aside.
2In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla, and beat until well combined.
4Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
6Chilling the dough prevents spreading and makes it easier to roll.
7Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
8On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
9Use a gingerbread man cutter to cut out shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
10Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just set and lightly browned.
11The centers will still look slightly soft.
12Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
13For the royal icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
14If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
15Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles as desired, then let the icing set for about 30 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Rolling pin
Gingerbread man cookie cutter
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 120mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0.5g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 1.5g

📝Notes

For softer cookies, bake for 8 minutes; for crunchier cookies, bake for 10 minutes. You can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour. Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Watch Video Of How Easy Gingerbread Men Works

One of my favorite things about these gingerbread men is how easy they are to reheat when you need a quick dessert fix. Simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm and fragrant.

You can also serve them at room temperature for a more rustic look. For storage ideas, consider wrapping individual cookies in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for an easy grab-and-go snack or storing them in an airtight container on your counter for up to 5 days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Men

Q: What type of molasses should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using blackstrap molasses for its rich flavor and dark color.

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?

While all-purpose flour will work in a pinch, using whole wheat flour gives these gingerbread men a nuttier flavor and denser texture.

Q: How long do these gingerbread men keep?

You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make these gingerbread men ahead of time?

Sure! You can shape the dough into men before baking and store them in an airtight container overnight or freeze them until you’re ready to bake.

Q: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Nope! You can skip chilling the dough if you’re short on time.

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