Best Gingerbread Men Recipe My Recipes from www.mygorgeousrecipes.com
Introduction
Gingerbread is a classic holiday treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. The spicy and sweet flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses are the perfect combination to warm you up on a cold winter day. In this article, we'll show you how to make an easy gingerbread recipe that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking soda - 1/2 tsp salt - 2 tsp ground ginger - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/2 tsp ground cloves - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature - 3/4 cup dark brown sugar - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup molasses - 1/4 cup hot water
Flour
The first ingredient you'll need for this recipe is all-purpose flour. This type of flour is perfect for baking because it has a medium protein content, which helps to give baked goods a tender texture. You'll need 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour for this recipe.
Baking Soda and Salt
Baking soda and salt are essential ingredients in any baking recipe. Baking soda helps the gingerbread rise, while salt enhances the flavor. You'll need 1 tsp of baking soda and 1/2 tsp of salt for this recipe.
Spices
The spices are what give gingerbread its signature flavor. You'll need 2 tsp of ground ginger, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp of ground cloves for this recipe. Make sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor.
Butter and Brown Sugar
Butter and brown sugar are the base for the gingerbread dough. You'll need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, which should be at room temperature for easy mixing. You'll also need 3/4 cup of dark brown sugar, which adds richness and depth of flavor to the gingerbread.
Egg and Molasses
An egg and molasses are added to the dough to help bind it together and add moisture. You'll need 1 large egg and 1/2 cup of molasses for this recipe. Molasses is a key ingredient in gingerbread because it gives it its dark color and rich flavor.
Hot Water
Finally, you'll need 1/4 cup of hot water to help dissolve the molasses and make it easier to mix into the dough.
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. 3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. 4. Beat in the egg until well combined. 5. Add the molasses and beat until well combined. 6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. 7. Add the hot water and mix until the dough comes together. 8. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. 9. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 10. Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. 11. Cut out your desired shapes using cookie cutters. 12. Place the gingerbread shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 13. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. 14. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. 15. Transfer the gingerbread shapes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
This gingerbread recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. Each cookie is approximately 120-150 calories, depending on the size. Gingerbread is not particularly nutrient-dense, but it does contain some iron and calcium from the molasses and spices. It's best enjoyed in moderation as a special holiday treat.
