Charming Gingerbread Men Cookies – A Holiday Delight! 🎄🍪
Unleash your creativity with these fun and festive gingerbread men cookies! From cheerful smiles to stylish outfits, they’re perfect for spreading holiday joy. Whether gifting them or enjoying family decorating fun, these spiced cookies are sure to warm your heart and taste buds. 🎅✨
Equipment
- Gingerbread man cookie cutters
- Piping bags with assorted tips
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixerv
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Cooling racks
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Royal Icing:
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 9 tablespoons water
- Gel food coloring (various colors)
Instructions
Make the Gingerbread Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Roll and Cut the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes with gingerbread man cookie cutters and place them 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Repeat with the second dough disk.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just turning golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
.Prepare the Royal Icing:
- In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Add water and beat on low speed until combined, then whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring.
- Adjust the consistency as needed: thick (toothpaste-like) for outlining, thinner (syrup-like) for flooding.
Decorate Your Gingerbread Men:
- Transfer icing into piping bags with assorted tips.
- Outline each cookie with thick icing and let set for a few minutes.
- Flood the outlined areas with thinner icing, using a toothpick to spread evenly.
- Add faces, clothes, and accessories while icing is still wet.
- Sprinkle with edible glitter or attach candy decorations for extra charm.
- Let cookies dry completely at room temperature, preferably overnight.
Notes
Creative Decorating Ideas:
- Expressions: Smiles, winks, or even silly faces bring your gingerbread men to life.
- Outfits: Try scarves, hats, or ugly holiday sweaters for festive flair.
- Accessories: Add candy buttons, sprinkle belts, or edible glitter for extra pizzazz.
Notes:
- These cookies make perfect gifts when packaged in festive tins or clear bags with ribbons. 🎁
- Have fun decorating! Turn it into a holiday tradition with family and friends. 🎄😊