Gingerbread men
10 servings
60 minutes
Gingerbread men are not just a treat but a true symbol of winter coziness and joy. Their history dates back to medieval Europe, where gingerbread dough was used to create figures that served as festive decorations. The rich aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger fills the home with warmth, while the crispy yet slightly soft texture makes them perfect for tea time. They can be decorated with icing and candies, turning each figure into a unique masterpiece. In Austrian cuisine, they are part of Christmas traditions, adorning festive tables and delighting children. These cookies are not only tasty but also allow for creative expression – outfits and hairstyles can be crafted from the dough to make each figure special. They are ideal for gifts as well as for decorating winter evenings.
1
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until a soft, airy mixture forms. Beat with a mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes. Add the egg and mix. Add molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Mix with a mixer on low speed, gradually adding flour.
- Butter: 100 g
- Brown dark sugar: 1 glass
- Chicken egg (large): 1 piece
- Syrup: 0.5 glass
- Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
- Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons
- Ground cloves: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: pinch
- Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Wheat flour: 4 glasss
2
Divide the dough into parts, roll into flatbreads 1.5–2 cm thick, and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.
3
Cut about 20 little people from the rolled dough using a cookie cutter, place them on a baking sheet, and set aside. From the remaining dough, cut out more little people to make clothing elements later.
4
Using a pastry wheel, you can cut skirts, pants, t-shirts, and shoes. Carefully place the clothing on the prepared cookie people. Do not press it tightly to the base; it will stick when baked in the oven. Using leftover dough, cut small details with cookie cutters. For example, use a teardrop-shaped cutter to make pleats for the skirt and stars for an elegant pair of shorts.
5
For the hairstyle — place the rolled piece of leftover dough in a garlic press and squeeze it out — these will be the little hairs of the figure. You can make them curly or leave them straight and long. One hair can create a nice smile on the figure's face.
6
If you use the little figures as table decorations, make a hole at the top of their heads; if you want to make a garland, make holes in their hands. Use small circles pressed out with a straw to create eyes for the figures.
7
After dressing the figures, they should be placed in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then in the oven for 15 minutes at 190 degrees. Let them cool.
8
Add sugar sand, icing, small candies, and other sweets as eyes, buttons, bags, and other clothing elements.
- Brown dark sugar: 1 glass