You Can’t Catch Me, I’m The Gingerbread Man

Posted on: December 13, 2019

Holiday baking is one of my favourite things to do this time of year.  From cakes to cookies, I love trying out new recipes and learning.  Gingerbread is a staple when it comes to holiday-centric desserts.  I always love a good gingerbread cookie but to be honest, this is not something many of us bake on a regular basis.  Unless the mix comes from a box, where does one even start?  I was quite nervous my first time and but I found that if I kept one very important rule in mind, I’ll find success.  So always remember, a little goes a long way.  If it’s your first time using ginger, I suggest you taste-test along the way.  This way you can make sure you are adding the right amount spice according to your preference.  Without further ado, here is a fun gingerbread recipe to get you started this holiday season.

Gingerbread Men

 Ingredients

3 cups (750 mL)  Selection all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. (15mL)  Ground Service
1 Tsp. (5mL)  Ground Cinnamon
¼ Tsp. (1 ¼ mL)  Cardamom
¼ Tsp. (1 ¼ mL)  Ground Nutmeg
½ Tsp. (2 ½ mL) Selection baking soda
¾ cup (180 mL)  Selection unsalted butter
½ cup (125 mL)  Dark brown sugar
½ cup (125 mL)  Selection molasses
1 Egg

Icing

1 ½ cups (375 mL)  Icing sugar
2 Tbsp. (30 mL)  Water

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and baking soda.
  3. In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer (or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment) beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the molasses and egg beating well to combine.
  5. Add the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture comes together to form a smooth dough.
  6. Divide the dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm.
  7. Roll the dough out to a ¼ ” (6.3 mm) thickness and stamp out gingerbread men or other shapes using your favourite cutters.
  8. Place the shapes 2” (5 cm) apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 16 to 18 minutes until lightly browned and firm.
  9. The icing should be thick enough to hold an edge when piped.
  10. Add a little more icing sugar if it is too runny.
  11. Decorate the gingerbread men with piped icing in a pastry bag with a small tip and your favourite decorations.

Pretty simple, right?  Head over to Metro to grab your ingredients and get started on this yummy treat!

Psssst!  If baking is not your thing, then fake it till you make it and head over to Hot Oven Bakery for some delish gingerbread goodies.

~Asna, Guest Services Coordinator

Recipe:  Metro

📸: Metro