Every time the holidays roll around, our family always makes gingerbread men. These little fellows are a delicious treat for all ages, even if they come out of the oven a little stiff. Decorate these little guys however you want, and they will wear their newfound features like trophies. Besides, even if they do turn out a little bad, or you smudge the eyeball, they will always turn out delicious. You can even add little candies onto their bodies. This recipe is perfect to make on a cozy winter day together with your family or friends.
Now then, enough talk. Here is the recipe you will need to create your own little gingerbread folk:
½ Cup of Shortening
½ Cup Sugar
½ Cup of Dark Molasses
¼ Cup of Water
2 ½ Cups of Gold medal flour (Flour)
¾ Teaspoon of Salt
½ Teaspoon of Baking Soda
¾ Teaspoon of Ginger (Ground Ginger)
¼ Teaspoon of Nutmeg
⅛ Teaspoon of Allspice
Topping of choice to decorate (Optional)
To make the dough…
- Cream Shortening and sugar together. Blend in Molasses, water, flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Cover and then let chill for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat oven to 375°F. Roll dough ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured board. (For a more crispy texture, roll dough to ⅛ an inch.) Cut with Gingerbread man cookie cutter or cookie cutter of choice, and then place cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet. Then cook for 10 to 12 minutes and immediately remove cookies from the baking sheet.
(Optional step)
- Press any topping of choice into the dough for eyes, nose, and buttons. Use other toppings for trims and such.