christmas gingerbread man recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best christmas gingerbread man recipe

I’ve been making this Christmas gingerbread man recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The idea of making gingerbread men is believed to have originated in 16th-century Germany, where bakers would create intricate shapes and designs for the holidays.

This recipe is a variation of the classic cookie, with a few tweaks to make it more accessible for home cooks. The combination of molasses, ginger, and spices gives the cookies a rich, warm flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.

When I make these cookies, my kids love helping me shape the dough into men and decorating them with icing and sprinkles. It’s become a fun family tradition that we look forward to every year.

I also appreciate that this recipe is relatively healthy compared to other holiday treats, thanks to the use of whole wheat flour and minimal added sugars. Plus, they’re easy to store and reheat for a quick snack or dessert.

I’ve made this recipe many times, but it never gets old – it’s still a favorite among my family and friends alike. When I serve these cookies at gatherings or parties, they’re always one of the first to disappear.

I think it’s because they’re so easy to eat in one bite, but also because they’re just so darn delicious.

Christmas Gingerbread Man Recipe

4.9 from 547 votes

Delightful Christmas gingerbread men that are perfect for decorating and enjoying with family and friends. Soft and chewy with a classic gingerbread flavor.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
2 tbsp water

For the Royal Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp meringue powder
4-6 tbsp water
food coloring (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda.
4Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6Add the molasses, egg, and water.
7Mix on medium speed until a dough forms.
8The dough should be slightly sticky and soft.
9Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.
10Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
11Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
12Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
13Allow the gingerbread men to cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating.
14To make the royal icing, in a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water.
15Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and glossy.
16Add food coloring if desired and mix well.
17Transfer the icing to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off.
18Decorate the cooled gingerbread men with the royal icing.
19Allow the icing to set for at least 1 hour before serving.
20Once the icing is set, the gingerbread men can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Gingerbread man cookie cutter
Piping bag or zip-top bag
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier gingerbread, increase the amount of ground ginger. You can also add other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile. Store the gingerbread men in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Watch Video Of How Christmas Gingerbread Man Recipe Works

These Christmas gingerbread men are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday party or just a Tuesday evening.

They’re easy to make ahead of time and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat them, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Gingerbread Man

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

A: For this recipe, I recommend using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour has a nuttier flavor and a coarser texture that pairs well with the spices in this recipe.

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

A: Yes, you can use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger if you prefer. Just be sure to grate or mince it finely so that it distributes evenly throughout the dough.

Q: How do I store these cookies once they’re baked?

A: Once the cookies are baked, 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 cookies ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time by shaping the dough into men and baking them when you’re ready. Simply let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing them.

Q: What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

A: You can decorate these cookies with royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze. For kids, it’s best to use a pre-made icing or frosting so that they can get creative without making a mess.

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