Traditional Gingerbread Men
Warm, spiced gingerbread men with fragrant ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, decorated with raisins, perfect for holiday treats or festive gatherings with a chewy, ginger-laden flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put shortening, sugar, spices, and egg in a large mixer bowl. Mix until well blended.
- Add molasses and mix well.
- Sift together flour and baking soda.
- Stir into the shortening mixture and mix well.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for easier handling.
- Roll out on a floured board and cut into gingerbread men shapes.
- Use bits of raisins for eyes, nose, and buttons.
- Sprinkle with granulated sugar, if desired.
- Bake on greased cookie sheets at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier flavor, consider increasing the ginger to 3 teaspoons. If you prefer a softer texture, add an extra tablespoon of butter. Instead of raisins, you could use chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different twist. Remember to sift your flour for a lighter dough, and refrigerate the dough longer if it's too sticky to roll out.
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread men are delightful on their own or can be served with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. For a festive touch, pair them with a dollop of Rich Custard. They also make great holiday gifts when decorated and packaged in a decorative box. Enjoy them as part of a holiday dessert spread alongside pies or cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Traditional Gingerbread Men contains roughly 338 calories, with 3g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg per serving (22% 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, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser cookie. For the best results, consider using a blend of both flours to maintain the texture of the gingerbread men.
How can I decorate the gingerbread men?
You can use royal icing for intricate designs or simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar. Adding colored sugar or edible glitter can give them a festive look. Consider using mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons for a fun decoration.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the gingerbread dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface and on the rolling pin to help manage the stickiness while rolling out.
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).