It’s fall, and nothing tastes or smells more like fall than ginger and cloves. One simple and tasty way to add that aroma to the house is to whip up a batch of little gingerbread dudes. I promised an easy recipe to my blogging buddy, and it’s time I make good.
My beloved husband cooks like an art major, feeling in his soul that a recipe is only a suggestion, a mere jumping off point in a quest for self-expression. It makes his cooking interesting and his baking inedible. Therefore I offer a step-by-step guide with pictures for those creative spirits who aren’t sure why their bread has the consistency of a black hole.If you already know what you’re doing, copy the recipe and have a great day! Everyone else, follow me.
Here’s what you need:
1/2 C Butter (softened, not melted)
1/2 C Sugar
1/2 C Molasses (NOT blackstrap)
2 egg yolks
2 C Bread Flour (you can use all-purpose, but your men won’t be as fluffy)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cloves
2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
And here’s what to do. In technicolor.
1) Cream your butter and sugar.

"Cream" on low speed. Sounds violent, but if you keep your fingers out of the way, no one gets hurt.
2) Combine in Molasses
3) Beat in egg yolks. You don’t need any special gadget to separate the yolks. Save the whites. You can use them in the bread recipe I’ll post soon.
4) In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients and blend well with a fork.
5) Add dry ingredients to your butter mixture in small amounts. I use medium or high speed since the batter is thick. Blend until smooth.
6) Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or put it in a small, air-tight bowl and put it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. It seems unfair to have to wait. Leave the house if you must. It makes the time pass faster. You can put it in the freezer if you have to, but I am always afraid that the butter will crystallize. No idea what that would do to the taste, but I avoid unnecessary crystallization in my life whenever possible as a matter of principle.
And now, the fun begins! Here’s the creative opportunity you’ve all been waiting for! Here’s what you need:
1) Lightly sprinkle some flour on a piece of wax paper and on your rolling pin. You can roll if out directly on the counter if you want to, but, wax paper makes it easier to remove even the most reluctant gingerbread dude and get him to your baking sheet.
2) Roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your cookie cutter of choice. Or use a sharp knife and create your own amazing shapes.
3) Remove your shape from the wax paper and place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, depending on your oven.
4) Cool for a minute or so, and then remove to wire rack (if you have one).
And that’s all there is to it. Here are a few tips.
Buy your spices at a place that sells them in bulk and lets you scoop them yourself. I paid about 1/4 the price I would have paid for prepackaged stuff. And it’s way fresher.
The spice amounts can be adjusted according to taste, but try the recipe as-is a time or two first. Too much cloves or ginger will burn your tongue. No joke.
An air-tight wrap or container is important in the fridge. It keeps the dough from drying out.
Put your cookies in an air-tight container before they have cooled completely. The stay softer that way.
Make friends only with people who have no sense of smell. If they can’t smell your cookies, you won’t have to share.
Enjoy, and let me know how they turn out!
Oh my kids used to love gingerbread men, especially their tasty little EYES! c
This looks wonderful! My problem isn’t interest or willingness (I love to bake), but time–hopefully when Baguette is a little older, I’ll be able to do things like this. I’m particularly looking forward to cooking with her!
Almost makes me wish I baked. Almost. 🙂
I looked into my crystal ball and saw little gingerbread men in our future. Thanks for the recipe and awesome set of instructions! I’ll be watching Gilly carefully – like your beloved husband, she too likes to cook like an art major!
I have faith in her!
We will be making gingerbread moose, because that is the only cookie cutter we own. Yum!!! Cannot wait to bake these up….twice. Because the first will be a disaster… 🙂
I am not a great baker, but I love making this recipe in the fall: http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/dessert-recipes/pumpkin-whoopie-pies
They always come out great and I love the name: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.
I’ll have to try the gingerbread men. My kids used to love the song. They grow up so quickly!!
I’ll be right over. If I drive two states you HAVE TO SHARE! muahahahahaha
Shall I send you some, then?
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