How to Make Gingerbread Boys And Girls - A Step-by-Step Guide

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat, loved by both children and adults. The warm aroma of ginger, cloves, and cinnamon wafting through the house as they bake is enough to put anyone in a festive mood. While traditional gingerbread cookies come in the shape of little men, we're here to show you how to make gingerbread boys and girls that are just as fun to decorate and even more delicious to eat.

Making gingerbread boys and girls is a delightful activity to do with kids, as...

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Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup shortening
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cups dark molasses
  • ⅔ cup cold water
  • 7 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon crushed cloves (Optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 10 drops food coloring
  • ½ teaspoon water
  • ¾ cup raisins

Information

  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 2 1/2 dozen

  • Mix shortening, brown sugar, and molasses thoroughly. Stir in 2/3 cup water. Blend flour, soda, salt, and spices; stir into molasses mixture. Chill for about 1 hour.
  • Roll the dough about 1/4 inch thick. Cut with boy and girl cookie cutters.
  • Make egg yolk paint by blending egg yolks and 1/2 teaspoon water. Divide the yolk among a few small bowls, and add food coloring to each cup for desired color. Paint the clothes and decorations on the cookies as desired. Carefully transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet. Using a toothpick, make a hole in the top of each cookie. Press raisins into dough for eyes, nose, mouth. Use bits of candied cherries for coat buttons, and strips of citron for ties.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly, then carefully remove from baking sheet.
  • Nutrition

    546 cal.

    • Total Fat: 7g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 34mg
    • Sodium: 428mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 113g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 47g
    • Protein: 8g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 123mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 787mg