Mmmm… the melding of ginger, molasses and brown sugar instantly evokes warm holiday sensations and childhood memories. This season, schedule some kitchen time with the little ones to share this tradition of baking and decorating gingerbread boys and girls!
Kids will love the rich flavor and simple shape: let the imagination run wild with decorating possibilities.
While the yummy treats are baking, why not gather and read the classic story of The Gingerbread Boy? This repetitive tale is sure to bring joy to everyone! 
Instructions:
Sift flour, baking soda and baking powder into a medium bowl; set aside. Mix butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes; mix in spices and salt. Mix in egg and molasses, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl. Add flour mixture; mix on low speed until combined. Divide dough in half; pat into two disks. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out gingerbread people with cookie cutter. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet; refrigerate until firm, 20 to 30 minutes. Bake until cookies are set and edges are just starting to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Carefully lift and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely. Make icing.
Instructions:
Combine the butter, sugar and vanilla in the bowl. Start mixing on low speed until the sugar is incorporated with the butter. Increase the mixing speed to high and beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Adjust the consistency with milk as needed.
Use your imagination to create your gingerbread boys and girls! Feel free to add some color with candies such as red hots or gum drops too!
Kids will love the rich flavor and simple shape: let the imagination run wild with decorating possibilities.
While the yummy treats are baking, why not gather and read the classic story of The Gingerbread Boy? This repetitive tale is sure to bring joy to everyone!
Submitted
Gingerbread People Recipe
Ingredients:- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup unsulfured molasses
- Cookie cutter (gingerbread man)
- Buttercream icing (recipe to follow)
- Candies (optional)
Instructions:
Sift flour, baking soda and baking powder into a medium bowl; set aside. Mix butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes; mix in spices and salt. Mix in egg and molasses, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl. Add flour mixture; mix on low speed until combined. Divide dough in half; pat into two disks. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out gingerbread people with cookie cutter. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet; refrigerate until firm, 20 to 30 minutes. Bake until cookies are set and edges are just starting to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Carefully lift and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely. Make icing.
Buttercream Icing
Ingredients:- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- Large pinch of salt
- 1-3 tablespoons whole milk as needed
- teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
Combine the butter, sugar and vanilla in the bowl. Start mixing on low speed until the sugar is incorporated with the butter. Increase the mixing speed to high and beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Adjust the consistency with milk as needed.
Decorating
Fit a pastry bag with a 5/16-inch round tip and fill with 1/2 cup icing. Tie end with a rubber band. Pipe eyes and a mouth and add decorative clothing.Use your imagination to create your gingerbread boys and girls! Feel free to add some color with candies such as red hots or gum drops too!
