Don't you just love Gingerbread Boys? I know I do and I make them every year so everyone else can enjoy them. If you want to make some really great gingerbread that makes really great gingerbread then you need to read on because were going to tell you how to make some of the most delicious gingerbread you'll ever make and enjoy in your life.
If your wanting to make gingerbread that will make wonderful gingerbread men or gingerbread boys then you need to read on because here you'll find a wonderful recipe for gingerbread.
Ingredients For Your Gingerbread
1. 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
4. 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
5. 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
6. 2 teaspoons ground ginger
7. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8. 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
9. 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
10. 1/2 cup molasses
11. 1 large egg
12. Icing and Decorations For Your Gingerbread Men or Gingerbread Boys
Instructions For Making Your Gingerbread and Gingerbread Men
Step 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
Step 2. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually mix in the brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stir in the spices, then beat in the molasses and egg, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until just blended. Transfer the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap, shape into a large flat disc and refrigerate until firm; at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liner.
Step 5. On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to no less than 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread boys or other shape of your choice. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets, making sure to place similar sized cookies on the same sheet to ensure even baking.
Step 6. Bake until just light golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies. Do not over bake. Cool on pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 7. Decorate as desired once completely cooled.
You can buy a real simple gingerbread cookie cutter usually made out of plastic at your local supermarket or grocery store. You can also find heavy duty metal ones.
Have You Ever Thought About Making A Gingerbread House
Why not involve your kids and family in making a Gingerbread House. You can build your Gingerbread House as simple as you want or really go all out and build a gingerbread village.
The World's Biggest Gingerbread Man
Did you know that the world's biggest Gingerbread Man was made at Smithfield Texas at their Festival Of Lights Celebration in 2006. That Gingerbread Man was over 20 foot tall and he weighed in at 1308 pounds. Can you even imagine a gingerbread man that big. All I can say is wow!.
Have You Heard The Tale Of The Gingerbread Man?
In the 1875 St. Nicholas tale, a childless old woman bakes a gingerbread man who leaps from her oven and runs away. The woman and her husband give chase but fail to catch him. The gingerbread man then outruns several farm workers and farm animals while taunting them with the phrase:
I've run away from a little old woman,
A little old man,
And I can run away from you, I can!
The tale ends with a fox catching and eating the gingerbread man who cries as he's devoured, "I'm quarter gone...I'm half gone...I'm three-quarters gone...I'm all gone!"
I hope you get to make some gingerbread men or gingerbread boys real soon. I often make the gingerbread recipe above and cut it out with regular cookie cutters. You can then bake and eat the gingerbread cookies as they are or you can use icing or other things to decorate your gingerbread cookies how you want to. I just love gingerbread cookies and I usually decorate them according to the season or holiday that is near.