Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out to ¼-inch thickness.
8. Cut out the gingerbread men with a cookie cutter and place on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
10. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 gingerbread men
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 130
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: You can substitute salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.
- Molasses: You can substitute honey or maple syrup.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: You can substitute dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a more intense flavor.
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit for a crunchy texture.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for a more decadent treat.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before adding it to the wet ingredients.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour before rolling out for easier handling.
- Use a sharp cookie cutter for cleaner edges.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Place the gingerbread men on a platter and serve with a variety of dipping sauces.
- Place the gingerbread men in a basket lined with wax paper.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate.
Pairings:
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Apple crisp
- Baked apples
- Pumpkin pie
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- If the edges of the cookies are too brown, reduce the baking time.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food History:
Gingerbread has been around since the Middle Ages and has been a popular holiday treat for centuries.
Flavor Profiles:
The gingerbread men are sweet and spicy with a hint of chocolate.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a holiday meal.
- Serve as a snack with a glass of milk.
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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Chocolaty, Gingerbread, Gingerbread-Y