Classic Gingerbread People Recipe

This classic gingerbread recipe will result in delicious and decorative gingerbread people. Perfect for festive occasions or as a fun activity with kids, these gingerbread cookies are spiced with warm flavors like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, giving them a delightful aroma. Decorate them with colorful icing and let your creativity shine! This recipe yields a batch of soft and chewy gingerbread people that are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
3. Add the molasses, honey, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a disc. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Use gingerbread people cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Place the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining dough.
12. Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can decorate them with icing and other decorations if desired. Let the icing set before storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Interesting Facts