During Christmas time there's nothing better than making some traditional dishes, cakes and biscuits, maybe with children. The famous Gingerbread Men are the perfect idea for your winter afternoons before Christmas. Don't forget to decorate them, to make them alive!
* approximate values per serving
Mix all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda), add cinnamon powder and a pinch of grated nutmeg. Peel off a ginger root and grate about 3 cm of it onto the other ingredients. Whisk together eggs and brown sugar. Add butter and maple syrup and work until soft and even. Incorporate the dry ingredients and work more. Set aside for one night. The day after, roll out the dough until fairly thick (4-5 cm). Cut out the men-shaped biscuits. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 180°C. Once baked, make an icing by whisking egg white, lemon juice and sugar. Once it's fairly thick, use it to decorate the Gingerbread Men.
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In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients.
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Add some grated lemon zest
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Add the nutmeg
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Add the maple syrup
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Whisk egg and brown sugar until foamy. Add butter at room temperature and maple syrup. Mix until even and soft
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Roll out the dough until fairly thick (4-5 cm). Cut out the man-shaped biscuits and arrange them on a baking tray.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes at 180°C
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Decorate with frosting
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Serve the gingerbread men with a glass of milk
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Gingerbread men can be enriched with a generous dose of fresh ginger, which gives an intense and aromatic flavor to these cookies. To make this variant, simply grate a larger amount of fresh ginger into the dough, along with cinnamon and nutmeg. This addition not only intensifies the taste but also offers an enveloping aroma that fills the kitchen during baking. For decoration, you can use powdered sugar icing, creating cookies that are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The preparation remains simple, and the final result is a sweet treat that is perfect for the holidays, bringing a touch of warmth and flavor. Don't forget to personalize the shapes of your Gingerbread men and have fun with the decoration!
This recipe for Gingerbread men is inspired by American tradition, where these cookies are a symbol of the Christmas holidays. In the United States, Gingerbread men are often made in different shapes and decorated with colorful icing, making it a fun activity to do with children. The preparation involves the use of simple and easily available ingredients, such as flour, brown sugar, and spices. Baking in the oven allows the cookies to achieve a crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside. This dish is perfect to serve during the holidays, accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate or spiced tea, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere with family and friends.
For those looking for a lighter version of classic Gingerbread men, it is possible to make a variant without butter and with less sugar. By using Greek yogurt instead of butter and reducing the amount of brown sugar, you achieve a lighter dough that is still flavorful. This recipe is ideal for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat without feeling weighed down. Additionally, using maple syrup can partially replace sugar, adding a natural sweetness. The preparation remains simple and quick, and the cookies still turn out fragrant and aromatic. Thus, even those who are mindful of their diet can indulge in a moment of sweetness without guilt.
Ginger, or zenzero, is the main ingredient in Gingerbread men and brings numerous health benefits. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, helping to improve digestion and reduce abdominal bloating. Furthermore, ginger is rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body. Regarding calories, a serving of Gingerbread men (about 30 grams) can contain between 120 and 150 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Therefore, enjoying these cookies in moderation can be part of a balanced diet, especially if prepared with healthier ingredients.
The answer is yes, Gingerbread men can be frozen without any problems. To do this, it is advisable to freeze them after baking and completely cooling. You can arrange them in a single layer on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The cookies can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you want to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them slightly in the oven. This way, the Gingerbread men will retain their fragrance and goodness, ready to be served at any time of the year.