Gingerbread men are just plain fun and nostalgic. They should have a spot on every holiday baking list. These cute little guys really stand out. Plus, they allow you to experiment with personalization & creativity.
You can decorate them to fit a specific theme or even to look like family members. Letting everyone decorate their own gingerbread person is also a fun activity for people of all ages.
Be sure to pick up gingerbread man cookie cutters to have on hand for now and seasons to come.
Ingredients
½ cup butter, softened
¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
⅓ cup molasses
1 large egg, room temperature
2 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
Your choice of frosting
Directions
1. Cream brown sugar and butter until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg and water.
2. In separate bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients except frosting. Then, gradually beat into creamed mixture.
3. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a ball and cover. Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350°. Roll each ball to ⅛” thick on lightly floured surface. Cut with floured ¼” cookie cutter. Then, place 2” apart on prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake about 8 – 10 minutes until edges are firm. Cool completely on wire racks.
6. Frost and decorate as desired.
