Classic Gingerbread Men Recipe for Holiday Delight

This classic gingerbread men recipe is perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your baking. The combination of warm spices, molasses, and sweet icing is sure to delight both kids and adults. Get into the festive spirit with these adorable and tasty treats that are fun to decorate and even more fun to eat. Whether you're baking for a holiday party or looking for a creative activity to enjoy with your family, these gingerbread men will surely bring joy to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Icing and decorations of your choice (e.g., colored icing, candies)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. The dough should come together and be slightly sticky.
5. Divide the dough in half and form each half into a thick disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Take one chilled dough disk out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use gingerbread men cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake the gingerbread men for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Repeat steps 7-9 with the remaining dough.
11. Once the gingerbread men are completely cool, it's time to decorate! Use icing and decorations of your choice to add faces, clothing, and other fun details to your gingerbread men.
12. Let the icing set before serving or storing the gingerbread men in an airtight container.
13. Enjoy the festive and delicious gingerbread men with your family and friends!

Interesting Facts