How to Make Gingerbread Man Cookies
For centuries, the cookie has been one of the most popular dessert items throughout the world. The earliest cookies ever made date back to Persia (currently Iran) around 600 AD. The modern American cookie as we know today came about by accident. Early Dutch bakers would test the cooking temperature for making cakes by dropping a small amount of batter into the oven. These test cakes were originally named koekje, which is the Dutch word for "mall cake." Dutch, English, and Scottish immigrants introduced their cookies or "small cakes" to the United States in the 1600s. Today, cookies come in many types and textures, but are relatively easy to make.
How to make cookies you ask? This recipe is for gingerbread man cookies. These cookies are popular during the Christmas season, but they are also great to make and eat anytime of the year. Making this recipe is a perfect activity for children because they love to learn how to make cookies, especially ones that are fun to decorate and personalize. This recipe makes 16 5-inch cookies.
How to Make Cookies - Gingerbread Man Cookies
Ingredients for Gingerbread Man Cookies
- 3 1/4 c. flour
- 1/2 c. brown sugar, dark
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 c. softened butter
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. cloves, ground
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, ground
- 1 tbsp. cinnamon, ground
- 1 tbsp. ginger, ground
- 1/2 c. unsulfured molasses
- 1 large egg
- Icing
- Optional: candy pieces, chocolate chips, icing
Directions on How to Make Cookies
1. Mix the flour, all the spices, and baking soda in a large bowl. Put this aside for later.
2. With a spatula or an electric mixer with a paddle attachment (recommended), whip the softened butter until creamy. Add in the sugar and mix until fluffy. Add the molasses and egg. Gradually pour in the flour mixture that you had previously set aside. If you are using an electric mixer, set it on low speed and mix until all ingredients are combined. Separate the dough into three equal sections and wrap each section in plastic wrap. Chill overnight or for at least 1 hour.
3. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before rolling it out. Add a small amount of flour to the dough if it feels too soft to roll out. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly flour a piece of wax paper. Place a section of dough on the paper and roll the dough with a rolling pin until it is 1/8 inch thick. Place the rolled dough in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes so it will be easier to cut.
4. Repeat step 3 for the remaining two sections of dough.
5. Cut the dough with a man shaped cookie cutter. Use candy pieces, chocolate chips, or raisins to make "buttons" for the gingerbread man.
6. Place each cookie onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake about 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow it to sit out a few minutes. Place the cookies on a wire rack so they can finish cooling. Decorate the cookies with icing as desired.
