GINGERBREAD BOY COOKIES

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Gingerbread Boy Cookies image

I've been making this recipe for at least 20 years now. I never noted where the recipe came from, but it would have been a magazine or one of my mother or grandmother's old cookbooks. I'm guessing on how many "normal" sized gingerbread men this will make, as I've only ever had a gigantic 9 or 10 inch tall cutter. Generally, I'll make a batch and then put one giant gingerbread boy on each cookie platter I'll be delivering to friends or family. :) The prep time includes refrigerating the dough before rolling out. Update: I've added a bit more spice than the original recipe, thanks to Diana's review. I posted the recipe for her to try and I appreciate her feedback on it. I also used whole cloves, allspice and nutmeg that I ground myself with a mortar and pestle or grated on a zester (nutmeg). I think the fresh ground flavors really made a nice touch.

Provided by Tinkerbell

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h12m

Yield 4-5 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 -9 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
1 teaspoon nutmeg (fresh grated preferred)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon clove
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups light molasses
3 eggs
1 -2 cup raisins (optional for decorating)
1 recipe royal icing (or buttercream, optional for decorating)

Steps:

  • In medium bowl, sift together 3 cups of the flour, the baking soda, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt. Set aside.
  • In large bowl, cream together the brown sugar and butter. Add the molasses and eggs, stirring until incorporated.
  • Add the sifted flour and spices. Stir well.
  • Add the rest of the flour (unsifted is fine), a cup at a time, until the dough is firm, but not dry. (You may not need all of the flour, you may need a little more.).
  • Divide dough into quarters, roll into a ball & pat into a thick disc shape. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate until easy to handle (about 30 minutes to an hour) or until you're ready to roll it out.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Grease 2 or more cookie sheets (I use parchment paper instead of greasing) and set aside.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc at a time to a 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with gingerbread boy cookie cutter, getting as many cut as possible. Transfer cookies to prepared cookie sheets, gently press raisins in for eyes and buttons, if desired.
  • Re-roll any scraps to get as many cookies as you can.
  • Repeat with the remaining dough.
  • Bake, one sheet at a time, for 12-13 minutes.
  • Allow cookies to cool on sheet, 2 minutes, then remove to cooling rack to cool completely.
  • Decorate boys (or girls) with colored royal or buttercream icing, if desired.

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