Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts and festive bakers! Today, I am thrilled to unveil a recipe that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season—our beloved Cheerful Gingerbread Men. As a passionate food blogger and chef, I understand that the holidays are a time for creating memories through culinary delights. These cookies are not just treats; they are expressions of love and tradition, bringing joy to kitchens and hearts.
Cheerful Gingerbread Men
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 oven
- 1 baking sheets
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup light molasses
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- In a bowl, beat the shortening until it is creamy.
- Add in the sugar, beating it until it is fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs and the molasses, and stir well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
- Add these to the shortening mixture, stirring well.
- Roll out dough to a 1/4 inch thickness on a well floured board with a rolling pin.
- Cut out cookies with a 5 inch gingerbread man cutter and place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 375° for 10 to 12 min.
- Cool on the baking sheets for 3 min, and remove to wire rack to continue to cool.
- Makes 24 cookies.
- Decorate the cookies with frosting and candy toppings.
Video
Notes
Why Our Gingerbread Men Are Extraordinary
What sets our Cheerful Gingerbread Men apart is more than their delightful flavor—it’s the sense of connection they foster. Each gingerbread man is a canvas waiting for your artistic touch, a chance to decorate and create characters that reflect your personality. As you adorn them with colorful icing and charming details, you’re weaving stories with every stroke of the brush, infusing them with the spirit of the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Gingerbread Guide
- Can I make the dough in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the gingerbread dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake and decorate.
- How long do the gingerbread men stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container, these gingerbread men can stay fresh for up to two weeks. The icing may soften over time, so avoid stacking them.
- Can I freeze the baked gingerbread men? Yes, you can freeze the baked gingerbread men in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before decorating.
- Can I use different cookie cutters? Absolutely! Get creative with your shapes—try snowflakes, stars, or even festive animals. Just keep in mind that larger shapes might require longer baking times.
- How do I achieve the perfect icing consistency? For a smooth outline, use thicker icing, and for flooding the interior, use slightly thinner icing. Adjust the consistency by adding water or confectioners’ sugar as needed.
Fact to Cheerful Gingerbread Men
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2009__12__gingerbread-man-cookie-vertical-a-1800-ac26ac3988d846b284654c9cd09dcbe0.jpg)
In the world of culinary history, gingerbread has a rich and fascinating past that spans centuries. The tradition of gingerbread can be traced back to ancient times, where civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians were known to use ginger in their cooking and baking. However, it was in medieval Europe that gingerbread truly flourished and gained its iconic popularity.
Gingerbread was not only cherished for its delightful taste but also for its symbolic and cultural significance. In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I of England is said to have initiated the concept of gingerbread men as a gesture of goodwill. She would gift dignitaries and foreign visitors with gingerbread cookies intricately shaped to resemble important figures of the time. These “gingerbread men” were not just delectable treats, but edible works of art that conveyed messages of diplomacy and hospitality.
As time passed, the tradition of gingerbread making evolved, and these cookies became beloved symbols of celebration, particularly during holidays and festive occasions. Today, the tradition of making gingerbread men has become a cherished part of holiday baking, allowing bakers to infuse their own creativity and personality into each cookie.
When you craft your own batch of Cheerful Gingerbread Men, you’re participating in a centuries-old culinary tradition that has transcended time and borders. These little cookies carry with them the legacy of warmth, creativity, and the joy of sharing something homemade and heartfelt with loved ones. So, as you shape and decorate your gingerbread men, remember that you’re not just baking cookies—you’re continuing a long-standing tradition that spans cultures and generations.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Holiday Moments
Wondering how best to showcase these delightful Gingerbread Men? Allow me to guide you through some enchanting serving suggestions that will elevate your holiday moments:
- Family Baking Day: Gather generations of your family for a delightful baking session. Roll out the dough, cut out various shapes, and watch the magic unfold as everyone decorates their own gingerbread men.
- Holiday Party Platter: Arrange a platter of these gingerbread men alongside other festive treats like eggnog, spiced nuts, and mulled wine. Their charming appearance will make your holiday spread even more inviting.
- Edible Gift Bags: Pack these gingerbread men in beautiful gift bags, tied with ribbons and a sprig of holly. They make wonderful presents for friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
- Hot Cocoa Companions: Pair these gingerbread men with cups of creamy hot cocoa, creating a heartwarming combination that embodies the coziness of the holiday season.