Puddin' Head Gingerbread Men
Sweet and spicy gingerbread men with a rich butterscotch flavor, decorated with candies, perfect for holiday treats or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 3/4 or 4 oz. package regular butterscotch pudding ⓘ
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed ⓘ
- water ⓘ
- gumdrops and other candies ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and pudding mix until well blended.
- Add egg and beat well.
- Combine flour, baking soda, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the cream mixture.
- Chill the dough before rolling out and cutting into shapes.
- Bake as desired and decorate with gumdrops and candies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the dough. If you don't have butterscotch pudding, vanilla pudding works as a great substitute. Ensure the dough is chilled for at least an hour for easier rolling. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but it may alter the texture slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread men are perfect for holiday gatherings or as festive treats for kids. Serve them alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate for a cozy pairing. You can also use them as decorations for your holiday table or gift them in decorative bags for a sweet surprise. They pair beautifully with the 'Best Ever' Persimmon Pudding for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Puddin' Head Gingerbread Men contains roughly 581 calories, with 3g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1345mg per serving (58% 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 a different type of pudding mix?
Yes, you can use vanilla or chocolate pudding mix instead of butterscotch. Each will give a different flavor profile to your gingerbread men, but they will still be delicious! Just ensure you're using the same amount as specified in the recipe.
What can I use instead of gumdrops for decoration?
If you prefer a healthier option or want to avoid gumdrops, consider using dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even mini chocolate chips. These alternatives will still add a fun and colorful touch to your gingerbread men.
How can I make the cookies softer?
To achieve softer gingerbread men, reduce the baking time slightly or add a tablespoon of molasses to the dough. This will enhance moisture and keep them chewy. Just be careful not to overbake, as that can lead to a harder 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).