Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup hot water
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the honey, sugar, and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
6. Add the hot water and mix until the dough comes together.
7. Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
8. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
9. Cut out gingerbread men with a cookie cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 24 gingerbread men
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Molasses can be used in place of honey.
- Brown sugar can be used in place of white sugar.
- Margarine can be used in place of butter.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or raisins to the dough.
- Use different cookie cutters to create different shapes.
- Decorate with icing or candy after baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
- Use a floured rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more hot water.
Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- Warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the gingerbread men on a festive platter.
- Place them in a decorative tin for gift-giving.
Garnishes:
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Pairings:
- Serve with hot cocoa or apple cider.
Suggested side dishes:
- None
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the gingerbread men spread too much during baking, chill the dough for a longer period of time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and properly stored.
- Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before preparing food.
Food history:
- Toruń gingerbread is a traditional Polish gingerbread that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, spicy, and aromatic
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert or snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Polish
Taste: Spicy, Gingerbread, Sweet, Aromatic