Once upon a time, in a world rich with spices and culinary delights, the story of the gingerbread man cookie began. This tale, flavored with tradition and history, takes us back to ancient times when ginger, the key spice in gingerbread, was first cultivated in ancient China. As the love for ginger spread across continents, it found a special place in the hearts and kitchens of medieval Europe.

In medieval Europe, ginger was not just a spice; it was a symbol of wealth and health. The aromatic root made its way into various confections, but none became as beloved as gingerbread. Crafted by skilled artisans, these ginger-infused treats were often elaborately decorated and presented at fairs and celebrations. The art of making gingerbread was so revered that in the 17th century, it was recognized as a profession, with gingerbread guilds formed to protect the secrets of their craft.

The story takes a charming turn with the introduction of the gingerbread man shape, believed to have been first made in the court of Queen Elizabeth I of England. The queen, known for her love of grandeur and spectacle, had gingerbread figures made and decorated to resemble her distinguished guests. This whimsical creation captured the imagination of many and soon became a popular treat.

As the gingerbread man cookie traveled through Europe, it took on different forms and meanings. In Germany, gingerbread houses and heart-shaped Lebkuchenherzen became staples of Christmas celebrations. However, the gingerbread man retained a unique charm, often associated with fairy tales and children’s stories. The cookie became a symbol of joy, creativity, and the magic of the festive season.

The tradition of baking gingerbread man cookies during the holidays continued to spread, crossing oceans and embedding itself in various cultures. Each country added its own twist to the recipe, but the essence of the gingerbread man remained the same – a delightful blend of spices, molded into a figure that sparks joy in both young and old.

In modern times, baking gingerbread man cookies has become a cherished holiday activity. Families gather in kitchens, rolling out dough, cutting it into playful shapes, and decorating each cookie with a personal touch. The aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills the air, bringing back memories of holidays past and creating new ones.

The gingerbread man cookie, from its royal beginnings to its place in holiday traditions around the world, is more than just a treat. It is a story of evolution, a testament to the power of culinary creativity, and a symbol of the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

As we bring this story to a close, let’s not forget the simple yet profound lesson of the gingerbread man: no matter how far and wide he runs, he always brings a message of warmth, joy, and the enduring spirit of the holidays. This simple cookie, with its soft, chewy texture and rich, spiced flavor, is a reminder of the sweet magic that food can bring into our lives, connecting us across time and cultures.

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Soft Gingerbread Man Cookies

Yield: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Learn the secrets to making these classic European cookies, including tips for the perfect dough and decoration ideas. Bake a batch of these festive cookies and bring the magic of gingerbread into your home!

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Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
3. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined. The dough will be sticky.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread men shapes with a cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cookies are set around the edges.
8. Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with icing.

Notes

Don’t overwork the dough; it can make the cookies tough.

For a crisper cookie, roll the dough thinner and bake a little longer.

Use a simple icing bag (or a ziplock bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner) for decorating.

Recommended Products

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• 
  Unsulfured Blackstrap Molasses
• 
  Organic Dark Brown Sugar
• 
  All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 84mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 2g