Gingerbread Men

Authentic Gingerbread Men Recipe from Germany with a Delicious Blend of Spices

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Gingerbread men are a classic holiday treat that are loved by both children and adults alike. These cute little cookies are not only delicious, but also fun to make and decorate. In this recipe, we will show you how to make your own gingerbread men from scratch, including tips and tricks for perfecting the recipe.

History

Gingerbread has been around for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to the 15th century. It was originally brought to Europe by Armenian monk Gregory of Nicopolis in 992 AD. Gingerbread was often used in religious ceremonies and was believed to have medicinal properties. Over time, gingerbread became a popular treat during the holidays, especially in Germany where it is a Christmas tradition to make gingerbread cookies in various shapes, including the iconic gingerbread men.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of butter
0.5 cup (scant) of sugar
1 cup + 1 tbsp of honey
1 tbsp of gingerbread spices (ground cardamom, anise, cloves, cinnamon, ginger - mixed together according to taste)
1 small pinch of salt
grated peel of 1 fresh lemon
2 tbsp of sugar
1 egg yolk
2.5 tsp of baking soda
2 tbsp of rosewater
2.25 cups of flour
vanilla or chocolate Icing (optional)

How to prepare

Melt the butter, sugar, and honey together over low heat, then allow them to cool.
Add the gingerbread spices, salt, grated lemon peel, sugar, and the egg yolk; stir until the mixture lightens.
Stir the baking soda into the rosewater and add it to the egg yolk mixture.
Combine this mixture with the flour and knead it into a dough.
Let the dough stand overnight.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Generously butter a baking sheet.
Roll out the dough on the sheet to about 0.25 inch thickness, and cut the dough into long rectangles or use a cookie cutter to make gingerbread men shapes (the original "kathrinchen" are shaped like the pastries called "langues du chat", or "cat's tongues" - or ladyfingers with broadened ends).
Whatever design you decide on, bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes.
And, if you choose, frost the cookies with vanilla or chocolate icing when they are lukewarm.

Variations

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a spicier flavor.
Use molasses instead of honey for a richer taste.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Roll out the dough to an even thickness to ensure that the cookies bake evenly.

- Use a cookie cutter to create uniform shapes for your gingerbread men.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become too hard and lose their chewy texture.

- Have fun decorating your gingerbread men with icing, sprinkles, and other decorations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve gingerbread men with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light and fluffy texture for the cookies.

- Kneading the dough until smooth helps to develop the gluten in the flour.

- Rolling out the dough evenly ensures that the cookies bake uniformly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use molasses instead of honey for a deeper flavor.

- Margarine can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of regular flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the gingerbread men on a festive platter and decorate with icing and sprinkles for a fun and colorful display.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy gingerbread men with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of gingerbread men contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of gingerbread men contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Gingerbread men are a sweet treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar content. They are a fun and festive dessert that can be enjoyed during the holiday season.

Summary

Gingerbread men are a classic holiday treat that are fun to make and delicious to eat. With a few simple ingredients and some creative decorating, you can create your own batch of these festive cookies to enjoy with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Gingerbread Men. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a quaint little village nestled in the countryside. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook herself, had a close friend named Mrs. Jenkins who was known for her delicious baked goods. Mrs. Jenkins had a special recipe for Gingerbread Men that she only shared with a select few, and I was lucky enough to be one of them.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a crisp autumn morning, and the scent of cinnamon and ginger filled the air as I walked into Mrs. Jenkins' cozy kitchen. She greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, knowing that I was eager to learn her secret recipe. As we worked side by side, she patiently guided me through each step, explaining the importance of measuring ingredients carefully and mixing them just right.

The dough came together beautifully, soft and fragrant with hints of molasses and spice. Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to roll it out and cut out the shapes of little men, using a cookie cutter that had been passed down through generations in her family. As we placed them on the baking sheet and popped them into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement at the thought of creating something so special from scratch.

After what seemed like an eternity, the timer finally went off and we carefully pulled the trays of Gingerbread Men out of the oven. They were perfectly golden brown, with just the right amount of crispness around the edges. Mrs. Jenkins handed me a piping bag filled with icing, showing me how to decorate each cookie with little buttons and smiles. I was in awe of her skill and precision, and I knew that I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.

As we sat down to enjoy our freshly baked treats, Mrs. Jenkins shared with me the story behind the recipe. She told me that it had been passed down through her family for generations, originating from a small village in England where Gingerbread Men were a traditional holiday treat. She had tweaked the recipe over the years, adding her own twist with extra spices and a touch of honey, but the essence of it remained the same.

I listened intently as she talked, absorbing every detail and committing it to memory. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, something I could pass down to future generations just as Mrs. Jenkins had done for me. And as I bit into my first Gingerbread Man, savoring the sweet and spicy flavors, I knew that this was just the beginning of my culinary journey.

Over the years, I have made Mrs. Jenkins' Gingerbread Men countless times, each batch just as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting in their smiles and compliments as they taste the fruits of my labor. And every time I bake these cookies, I am reminded of that magical day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, where I learned not just a recipe, but a lesson in tradition, love, and the joy of sharing good food with those we care about.

So now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will take it to heart and make it your own. Add your own special touch, create new memories, and share the joy of baking with those you love. And remember, the secret ingredient in any recipe is love – so sprinkle it generously and watch as your creations come to life. Happy baking, my dear, and may your Gingerbread Men always bring a smile to the faces of those who taste them.