Ginger Bread Boys And Girls
Gingerbread Boys and Girls are festive cookies with warm spices and rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday baking or special occasions. Their charming shape and aromatic taste make them a delightful treat for families and cookie lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light fluffy.
- Beat in egg and molasses.
- Add flour, soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Stir until a stiff dough is formed.
- Wrap dough and refrigerate for 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Ensure the molasses is at room temperature for easier mixing. If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until the desired consistency is reached.
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread boys and girls are delightful when decorated with icing and candies. Serve them alongside a warm mug of spiced cider or tea for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, consider pairing them with Lemon Cheese Pie or as part of a holiday dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingerbread dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the wrapped dough for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting out shapes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ginger Bread Boys And Girls contains roughly 1999 calories, with 17g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (48% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1426mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies denser. You might consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat for a balance.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar by 1/4 cup or use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for some of the sugar. Adjusting the molasses can also help balance the sweetness.
What is the best way to decorate these cookies?
Royal icing is a popular choice for decorating gingerbread cookies due to its smooth finish and ability to harden. Alternatively, you can use simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk, and add colorful sprinkles for a fun touch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).