Monday, December 12, 2011

gingerbread men


One of my favorite things to do at Christmastime is bake gingerbread men. It seems like I am always trying out a new recipe. My ideal gingerbread men are soft, but sort of crunchy on the outside, spicy, and maybe even a little salty. Last year I made these. They were good, but a bit too crispy for me (more like a gingersnap). This year I made these:


Gingerbread Men
adapted from allrecipes

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup molasses
2 egg yolks
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons cloves
2 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg

Cream together butter and sugars until smooth. Stir in molasses and yolks. Combine the dry ingredients and blend into the molasses mixture until smooth. Chill for at least one hour.

Preheat the oven to 350. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness, then cut into shapes. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.


They were delightful. In fact, this might be my new go-to recipe. I usually roll my cookies between two sheets of wax or parchment paper, but I think these could have benefited from a little extra flour (the dough was pretty sticky, even when chilled). So next time I think I'll just roll them on a lightly floured surface. I baked mine for 9 minutes, but you need to watch them carefully. You almost want them a tiny bit undercooked, otherwise they will be too crispy. As soon as mine were cool, I put them in an airtight container to keep them soft, and so far, so good. Spread liberally with cream cheese frosting and chocolate chips and you will be in Christmas heaven.

9 comments:

  1. We love the gingerbread recipe in the America's Test Kitchen cookbook. It's really great (like all their recipes) and it doesn't have any eggs in it, so now worries about kids eating it raw.

    ReplyDelete
  2. we were going to make men tonight, i think i'll try this recipe too. i'm so excited. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hummmm think I will try this reciepe.
    They will be fun for dessert for the kids on Christmas Eve.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  4. How funny that you posted this. I'm just about to make gingerbread men myself. I guess it's the rainy day that has me in the mood for baking.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really really love gingerbread. We make it every year- I might have to try this recipe, it sounds perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  6. i use this recipe:

    http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/guest-post/how-to-make-gingerbread-christmas-tree-ornaments-holiday-guest-post-from-jennifer-of-chocolate-shavings-104132

    it's amazing! i want to try yours too, but think i'm going to stay true. mmm.... cannot wait!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my goodness how did you know? I was just thinking about making gingerbread men today and wishing we had a new recipe to try. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. okay, so i just made some and the dough was too sticky to use cookie cutters. how do you combat that? i chilled the dough and floured the surface and everything!

    ReplyDelete
  9. i should have mentioned, it wasn't your recipe. maybe i should use your recipe and i'll have better luck!

    ReplyDelete

Hello! Thank you for your comment. I'd love to respond, and it is much easier if your account is linked to your email address. Or, you could just email me at barefootstephanie@gmail.com. Thank you!