A Few (Really) Good Men: Gingerbread Cookies with a Zesty Twist
Description
This delightful gingerbread men recipe has garnered rave reviews from my friends and family, and it’s easy to see why! The secret ingredient that elevates these cookies to new heights is the addition of fresh orange zest, lending a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complements the traditional spices. Adapted from a beloved recipe found on Allrecipes.com, this version is sure to become a holiday favorite. Just a note: the dough requires chilling for a minimum of 3 hours or ideally overnight, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully and the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Recipe Details
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Servings: Approximately 36 to 60 cookies
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Toddler Friendly, Kid Friendly, Winter, Christmas, < 60 Mins
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | butter |
| 1 ½ cups | white sugar |
| 1 large | egg |
| 1 ½ tsp | orange zest |
| 2 tbsp | dark corn syrup |
| 2 cups | flour |
| 3 tsp | baking soda |
| 2 tsp | cinnamon |
| 1 tsp | ginger |
| ½ tsp | ground cloves |
| ½ tsp | salt |
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 121.4 |
| Total Fat | 5.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 19.4 mg |
| Sodium | 142.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 8.7 g |
| Protein | 1.3 g |
Instructions
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by placing the softened butter and white sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, cream the two ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If you find it easier, consider melting the butter slightly before adding it to the sugar for a smoother incorporation.
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Add the Egg: Crack the egg into the bowl with the creamed butter and sugar. Mix thoroughly until the egg is fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth mixture.
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Incorporate the Orange Zest: Gently fold in the fresh orange zest and the dark corn syrup. For an extra burst of citrus flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed orange juice, which will enhance the overall flavor profile.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the baking soda and spices throughout the flour.
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Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. I recommend doing this in increments to avoid a flour cloud. Stir until just combined; the dough will be quite thick. For best results, you may find it easier to mix by hand at this stage rather than using a mixer.
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Chill the Dough: Once the dough is well mixed, shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or, ideally, overnight. Chilling is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to roll out.
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Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cookies.
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Roll Out the Dough: Dust your countertop lightly with flour. Divide the chilled dough into manageable portions and roll each piece out to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes, typically gingerbread men, but feel free to get creative!
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Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart. The cookies will spread slightly during baking, so give them some room to breathe.
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Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be firm to the touch but slightly soft in the center. If they begin to darken, they may be overbaked.
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Cool and Decorate: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them as they are.
With their delightful flavor and festive appearance, these gingerbread men are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. The combination of warm spices and fresh orange zest makes them not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually charming addition to any cookie platter. Happy baking!
