The BEST Simple, Classic & Perfect Gingerread Men (Family)

A gingrbread man and snowman, made
by my son, without icing. 😀 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature

1 cup dark brown sugar

1 cup dark molasses

7 cups of all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons ginger

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup water

Optional Decorations:

Icing*

red hot cinnamon candies**

white or semi sweet chocolate chips and candy sprinkles***

colored sugar****

Method:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. 

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses.

Sift the flour together with the baking soda and spices.

Add the sifted ingredients to the butter mixture in about three parts, alternating with portions of the water. (You may have to use your hands to knead in the last of the flour if you are  not using an electric mixer.)

On a floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place two inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for about 8-10 minutes depending on thickness. (Touch the cookie and if it springs back after 8 minutes it is ready.) Transfer to cool completely on a baking racks. Makes 16 to 48 cookies, depending on the size of the cutter.

*If desired, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a few drops of water and food colouring to make an icing to decorate the cooled cookies.

**Red hot cinnamon candies can be pressed ito the dough before, or half way during baking, to decorate and flavor the cookies.

***1 1/2 cups white or chocolate chips can be melted with 2 teaspoons shortening at 20 second intervals, in a microwave oven or in a double boiler. Dip half of each cooled cookie in the chocolate. If desired, dust with candy sprinkles.

****If desired, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar before baking.

Notes: 

I made thee gingerbread cookies, with my three sons, every Christmas. (I always gave them a portion of dough to make their own pesonal cookies.) Even young children can work the dough with successful results. 

My oldest son now makes these with his daughter, but doesn't use icing or decorations, in order to reduce the sugar content and because he loves the plain cookies. ❤️