Owen'S Favorite Gingerbread People
Owen's Favorite Gingerbread People are delightfully spicy, warmly flavored cookies perfect for holiday decorating and sharing with loved ones, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup soft vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dark molasses ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- confectioners sugar for rolling out cookies ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream thoroughly the shortening, brown sugar, molasses, and egg.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour and spices together.
- Slowly stir the sifted flour and spices into the sugar and egg mixture until well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the vegetable shortening with unsalted butter. You can also replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the ginger or cinnamon. Remember to chill the dough for at least an hour to make rolling easier, especially when using confectioners sugar for dusting.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful gingerbread people are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun activity with kids. Serve them with hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy pairing. They also make great decorations for gingerbread houses or can be used in cookie decorating contests. For a festive twist, try serving them alongside the Microwave Dump Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Owen'S Favorite Gingerbread People contains roughly 714 calories, with 12g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (181% of the Daily Value), iron (98% of the Daily Value), and calcium (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1536mg per serving (67% 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 honey instead of molasses?
While you can substitute honey for molasses, it will change the flavor and texture slightly. Honey is sweeter than molasses, so you may want to reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. The cookies will still be delicious, but may lack the deep, rich flavor that molasses provides.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these gingerbread cookies vegan, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Substitute the vegetable shortening with a vegan butter alternative, and ensure that your molasses is also vegan-friendly. The cookies will still be wonderfully spiced and flavorful.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your gingerbread dough is too sticky, sprinkle additional flour onto your work surface and your rolling pin while rolling out the dough. You can also chill the dough for an additional 30 minutes in the refrigerator, which will make it easier to handle. Just be cautious not to add too much flour, as it can alter the final texture.
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).