McCormick Gingerbread Men Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Gingerbread Men Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights. Infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, each bite transports you to a winter wonderland.
These charming cookies are not only delicious but also a canvas for creativity. Decorate them with colorful raisins, currants, or cinnamon red-hot candies for eyes and buttons, adding a whimsical touch that children and adults alike will adore.
Easy to make and fun to decorate, these Gingerbread Men Cookies will become a cherished tradition in your home. Gather your loved ones, roll out the dough, and enjoy the laughter and joy that fills the air as you bake together.
McCormick Gingerbread Men Cookies – Ingredients
Crafting the perfect batch of Gingerbread Men Cookies begins with the foundation of all baking: flour. It provides structure and texture, ensuring each cookie is soft yet sturdy enough for decorating.
The warm embrace of ground ginger and cinnamon infuses these cookies with classic holiday warmth, while a touch of nutmeg adds a subtle, aromatic depth. These spices create a nostalgic flavor profile that evokes the spirit of the season.
Sweetened with brown sugar and enriched with molasses, these ingredients contribute a rich, caramel-like sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. Meanwhile, butter adds a luscious richness, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth, while the egg brings everything together, creating a perfect dough ready for cutting and baking.
McCormick Gingerbread Men Cookies
Gingerbread men cookies are a timeless treat, evoking the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Not only are they adorable, but they’re also bursting with rich flavors that everyone will love. To elevate your baking experience, here are some helpful tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions about this delightful recipe.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: After preparing the dough, it’s essential to refrigerate it for at least four hours or overnight. This not only helps the flavors to meld but also makes the dough easier to roll out and cut into shapes. Chilling the dough prevents spreading during baking, ensuring your gingerbread men hold their shape beautifully.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cookies relies heavily on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for a richer flavor. Additionally, using fresh spices can significantly enhance the overall taste. If possible, buy whole spices and grind them just before use for maximum aroma and flavor.
- Decorate Creatively: Once your cookies are cool, unleash your creativity with decorations! While raisins, currants, and cinnamon red-hot candies are traditional, consider using icing, edible glitter, or sprinkles for a fun twist. You can even use different types of candy for unique designs, making your gingerbread men stand out at holiday gatherings.
What to Serve with Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Hot Cocoa: Pair your gingerbread men with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. The rich chocolate flavor and warmth of the drink perfectly complement the spicy sweetness of the cookies. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream or marshmallows on top for an extra indulgent treat.
- Eggnog: Embrace the holiday spirit by serving these cookies alongside a glass of homemade or store-bought eggnog. The creamy, spiced beverage enhances the ginger and cinnamon flavors of the cookies, creating a festive duo that’s sure to impress guests.
- Fruit Compote: For a lighter option, consider serving your gingerbread men with a side of warm fruit compote. A mix of apples, pears, and cranberries sautéed with a bit of cinnamon and sugar adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the sweet cookies, making it an excellent balance.
FAQ
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. - How can I store the cookies?
Once baked and cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to three months. - What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor, but the cookies will still be delicious. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients together.
McCormick Gingerbread Men Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons McCormick® Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon McCormick® Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and salt. In another large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Incorporate the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed until well blended. Form the dough into a thick, flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of approximately ¼ inch. Utilize a 5-inch cookie cutter to cut out gingerbread men shapes, placing them one inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate the cookies according to your preferences. Store the finished cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
