Gingerbread Boys Recipe from Germany

Gingerbread Boys

Gingerbread Boys Recipe from Germany
Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Gingerbread Boys
Gingerbread Boys

Gingerbread boys are a classic holiday treat that are loved by both kids and adults alike. These cute little cookies are flavored with warm spices like ginger and cinnamon, and are perfect for decorating with red hots for eyes and buttons.

History

Gingerbread has been around for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to the 15th century in Germany. Gingerbread boys, in particular, became popular in the 19th century as a fun and festive treat to enjoy during the holiday season.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cream the margarine, sugar, and salt.
  2. Stir in the egg, molasses, and vinegar.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients except for the red hots.
  4. Chill the mixture for 3 to 4 hours.
  5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.13 inches on a lightly floured board.
  6. Place the dough 1 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet.
  7. Press the red hots into the dough to create eyes and buttons.
  8. Bake at 375°F (191°C) for approximately 8 minutes.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool before removing them from the cookie sheets.

Variations

  • Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
  • Use cookie cutters to create different shapes like stars or Christmas trees.
  • Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.

- Don't overbake the cookies, as they can become hard and dry.

- Get creative with your decorations - you can use icing, sprinkles, or even mini chocolate chips to personalize your gingerbread boys.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your gingerbread boys with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the margarine and sugar together helps create a light and fluffy texture.

- Rolling out the dough to a consistent thickness ensures even baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange your gingerbread boys on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve your gingerbread boys with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store your gingerbread boys in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of gingerbread boys contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of gingerbread boys contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of gingerbread boys contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of gingerbread boys contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Gingerbread boys are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Gingerbread boys contain wheat and eggs.

Summary

Gingerbread boys are a sweet treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.

Summary

Gingerbread boys are a fun and festive holiday treat that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. With warm spices and cute decorations, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Gingerbread Boys. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling from the trees and there was a chill in the air. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was renowned for her baking skills. As soon as I entered her cozy kitchen, I was enveloped in the warm, comforting scent of spices and sugar.

Margaret greeted me with a smile and handed me a cup of steaming tea. "I have a special treat for you today," she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I'm going to teach you how to make my famous Gingerbread Boys."

I had always been in awe of Margaret's baking abilities. Her cakes were light and fluffy, her pies perfect in every way. I couldn't believe my luck that she was going to share one of her prized recipes with me.

As Margaret began to gather the ingredients, she told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The recipe was a family heirloom, treasured for its delicious taste and the memories it held.

The process of making the Gingerbread Boys was intricate, but Margaret guided me through each step with patience and skill. We mixed together flour, sugar, spices, and molasses, creating a fragrant dough that filled the kitchen with its sweet aroma.

As we rolled out the dough and cut it into the shapes of little boys, Margaret regaled me with stories of her childhood. She told me about the Christmases spent in her grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of the oven and the laughter of family.

As the Gingerbread Boys baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the irresistible scent of ginger and cinnamon. I watched in awe as they puffed up and turned a golden brown, their little faces smiling up at me.

When the Gingerbread Boys were finally done, Margaret handed me one to taste. The cookie was soft and chewy, with just the right amount of spice. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth.

I thanked Margaret profusely for sharing her recipe with me, promising to carry on the tradition in my own family. She smiled and patted my hand, her eyes twinkling with pride.

From that day on, the recipe for Gingerbread Boys became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for every holiday, sharing them with friends and family who marveled at their delicious taste.

As the years went by, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and decorations. But no matter how I changed it, the Gingerbread Boys always held a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I learned to make them from my dear friend Margaret.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I tell them the story of how I learned to make Gingerbread Boys from a dear friend on a crisp autumn day. And I hope that they will continue the tradition, creating their own memories and stories to pass down through the generations.

Categories

| Christmas Cookie Recipes | Cut-out Cookie Recipes | Egg Recipes | German Recipes | Ginger Recipes | Maple Syrup Recipes | Molasses Recipes | Red Hots Recipes | Spice Cookie Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |

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