Gingerbread Man Cookies for the Holidays

A Step-by-Step Guide

Gingerbread man cookies carries the warm aroma of gingerbread wafting through your home and making a favorite holiday treat. Gingerbread man cookies are delicious and fun to make and decorate, offering a perfect activity for family and friends. Follow this comprehensive guide to prepare, bake, and decorate festive gingerbread man cookies that will be the star of your holiday celebrations.

Gingerbread Cookies

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 60 min

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) unsulfured molasses
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the royal icing:

  • 3 cups (375g) powdered sugar
  • 2 large egg whites or 5 tbsp meringue powder mixed with 6 tbsp water
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

    • Rolling pin
    • Gingerbread man cookie cutters
    • Mixing bowls
    • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
    • Piping bags and tips

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the molasses and egg, mixing until combined.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. The dough may be slightly sticky but firm.
  5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disk, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step ensures the dough is easier to roll and enhances flavor.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Roll the Dough: Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  3. Cut Out Shapes: Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to stamp out shapes. Transfer the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between cookies.

Step 3: Bake

  1. Bake Time: Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, depending on size. The edges should be firm, and the center slightly soft.
  2. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating Techniques

Royal Icing Basics

  1. Make the Icing: Whisk the powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder mixture), and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding small amounts of water (for thin icing) or powdered sugar (for thicker icing).
  2. Coloring: Divide icing into small bowls and use gel food coloring to achieve desired shades.

Decorating Tips

  1. Outline and Flood Technique:
    • Use a piping bag with a small round tip to outline the cookie. Allow it to set for a few minutes.
    • Thin the icing slightly and “flood” the inside of the outline using a squeeze bottle or spoon. Use a toothpick to spread icing evenly and pop any air bubbles.
  2. Adding Details:
    • Use contrasting icing colors to add buttons, scarves, eyes, and mouths. For intricate designs, use a fine-tipped piping bag or a toothpick.
    • For textures like fur trim on a Santa suit, pipe tiny dots or stars with a star tip.
  3. Sprinkles and Candy: While the icing is still wet, add decorative sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candies for extra flair.
  4. Layered Designs: For intricate designs like patterns or clothes, allow the first icing layer to dry completely before adding additional layers.

Gingerbread man cookies are a delightful holiday tradition that combines baking and creativity. Whether making them as a family activity or crafting edible gifts, these cookies will surely bring festive cheer. Happy baking and decorating!

The Best Hot Beverages to Savor

Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens