Pudding Head Gingerbread Men
Soft gingerbread cookies with hints of cinnamon and ginger, decorated for festive occasions. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they appeal to all ages and spice lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using an electric mixer, cream margarine, brown sugar, pudding mix, and egg.
- Sift plain flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Combine the flour mixture with the creamed mixture and chill the dough.
- Roll part of the chilled dough out on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness.
- Place the rolled dough on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove from the cookie sheet to a rack to cool.
- Decorate the cooled gingerbread men as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the ginger and cinnamon. If you don't have butterscotch pudding mix, vanilla or chocolate pudding mix can work as substitutes. For a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread men are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea. Decorate them with icing, candies, or dried fruits for a festive touch. They pair beautifully with Kay'S Frozen Fruit Salad for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the undecorated cookies for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pudding Head Gingerbread Men contains roughly 33 calories, with 0g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out to ensure it's manageable.
What can I use for decoration?
You can use royal icing, colored sprinkles, or even melted chocolate for decorating your gingerbread men. For a fun twist, consider using mini candies like M&M's or chocolate chips for eyes and buttons. The decorating process can be a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Can I make these gingerbread men vegan?
Yes, to make this recipe vegan, substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter and the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce. Ensure that your pudding mix is dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan treat without sacrificing flavor.
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).