Ellen’s Spicy Gingerbread Men 🍪
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 30 gingerbread men
Description:
Gingerbread Men hold a special place in our hearts, don’t they? There’s just something about these spicy, sweet treats that bring joy to any occasion. 🎄 I remember the days when my grandkids and I would gather in the kitchen during the Christmas season, giggling and creating these little edible works of art. This recipe is a treasure in our family, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cream Margarine and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until smooth and creamy. This is the start of our delightful gingerbread dough. 🥄 |
| 2 | Add Molasses and Egg Yolk: Stir in the molasses and egg yolk until well combined. The molasses gives these cookies that rich, deep flavor we all love. 🍯 |
| 3 | Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. This aromatic mix is what gives our gingerbread men their signature spicy taste. ✨ |
| 4 | Blend into Molasses Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the molasses mixture, blending until you have a smooth and fragrant dough. This is where the magic happens! ✨ |
| 5 | Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step helps the flavors meld together and makes the dough easier to work with later on. ❄️ |
| 6 | Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing! 🔥 |
| 7 | Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Feel free to get creative with shapes! Gingerbread men, stars, hearts—the choice is yours. 🌟 |
| 8 | Cut into Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Place the cutouts about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. This is where our gingerbread men start to take form. 🍪 |
| 9 | Bake to Perfection: Pop the cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to crispy quickly! ⏰ |
| 10 | Cool and Decorate: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks. Now comes the fun part—frosting and decorating! Use icing, sprinkles, and candies to bring your gingerbread men to life. 🎨 |
| 11 | Optional Twist: For an extra special touch, try dipping your gingerbread men in melted chocolate at Easter time. It’s a delightful surprise that adds an extra layer of sweetness. 🍫 |
Serving Suggestions:
These Spicy Gingerbread Men are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a cozy evening at home. Serve them alongside a glass of cold milk for a classic treat, or package them up as gifts for friends and loved ones. However you enjoy them, these little guys are sure to bring a smile to your face! 😊
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 89
- Fat: 3.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 6.3mg
- Sodium: 104mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 6.5g
- Protein: 1g
Tips and Tricks:
- Get Creative with Shapes: Don’t limit yourself to just gingerbread men! Try making gingerbread stars, hearts, or even animals for a fun twist.
- Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Perfect for busy holiday baking!
- Freeze for Later: These cookies freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Gift Giving: Package these cookies in festive tins or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift. Add a ribbon and a personalized tag for an extra special touch.
Share the Joy!
I hope you enjoy making these Spicy Gingerbread Men as much as I do. There’s something truly magical about baking up a batch of these classic cookies, whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in. Share them with loved ones and create your own sweet memories! ✨🎄
