Best 8 Gingerbread People Recipes

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Indulge in the delightful world of gingerbread people, the iconic holiday treats that bring joy to people of all ages. These charming edible figures, often adorned with colorful candies, are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delectable delight for the taste buds. With their warm, aromatic ginger flavor and subtle sweetness, gingerbread people have become an integral part of winter celebrations worldwide. This article presents a collection of gingerbread people recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and skill levels. From classic recipes using traditional ingredients to gluten-free, vegan, and even sourdough variations, there's a recipe here for every baker. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and beautiful photos to guide you through the baking process. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will fill your home with the enticing aroma of freshly baked gingerbread people.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

GINGERBREAD PEOPLE



Gingerbread People image

These soft, chewy cookies are favorites of my grandchildren. They love helping me decorate them. -Joan Truax, Pittsboro, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons ground ginger
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Decorating icing and assorted candies

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg, vanilla and lemon zest. In another bowl, whisk flour, ginger, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and cloves; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until easy to handle., Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 4-in. gingerbread man cookie cutter. , Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake until edges are firm, 7-9 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Decorate as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 99 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 88mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

GINGERBREAD PEOPLE



Gingerbread People image

Every child in the neighborhood has requested this recipe for their Mom. I haven't found a recipe that compares!

Provided by cdagirl

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Gingerbread Cookie Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 egg
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
2 egg whites
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and corn syrup until smooth. Beat in the egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and allspice; stir into the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1/2 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
  • Bake for 8 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • To make the frosting, whip egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until icing is stiff. Add food coloring if desired and pipe onto cooled cookies. This icing can also be used as a glue to affix candy decorations.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 142 calories, Carbohydrate 22.7 g, Cholesterol 18.7 mg, Fat 5.4 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 112.4 mg, Sugar 15.2 g

GINGERBREAD PEOPLE FROM JELL-O



Gingerbread People from JELL-O image

These cute little gingerbread people with butterscotch pudding in the dough make great tree decorations--and delicious snacks too!

Provided by JELL-O

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     JELL-O Holiday

Time 1h30m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 8

¾ cup butter, softened
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 (3.4 ounce) package JELL-O Butterscotch Instant Pudding
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Beat butter, sugar, dry pudding mix and egg in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Mix remaining ingredients. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness; cut into gingerbread shapes with 4-inch cookie cutter, re-rolling trimmings. Place, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets sprayed with cooking spray. Use straw to make hole near top of each cutout.
  • Bake 10 to 12 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 3 min. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate as desired. Insert ribbon through holes to hang cookies on tree.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160.1 calories, Carbohydrate 22.4 g, Cholesterol 27.6 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 194.9 mg, Sugar 8.1 g

GINGERBREAD PEOPLE TRUFFLES



Gingerbread People Truffles image

These no-bake treats, made from crushed gingersnaps, molasses and warming spices, have all the flavor or holiday gingerbread plus a rich chocolate coating.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 5h45m

Yield 12 gingerbread men truffles, plus 12 truffle balls (optional)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups finely crushed gingersnap cookie crumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 packed tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
Heavy cream, for loosening the batter
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
8 ounces semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips, chopped
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons meringue powder
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Red and green food coloring, for decorating

Steps:

  • For the gingerbread truffles: Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with plastic wrap to extend over the sides by several inches. Combine the gingersnap crumbs, butter, brown sugar, molasses and pumpkin pie spice in a food processor and pulse to combine. (You may add a little of the cream to get the mixture more malleable.) Spread the mixture into the baking pan, cover with the overhanging plastic wrap and press it smooth with your hands. Refrigerate 4 hours.
  • For coating and decorating the truffles: Set a wire rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the plastic overhang as handles, remove the truffle mixture in one piece. Flip onto your work surface and remove the plastic so the smoothest side faces up. Use a 1 1/2-inch gingerbread person cutter to cut out 12 gingerbread men. (After cutting the gingerbread men, you may roll the extra truffle mixture into balls for round truffles, if desired.) Place the gingerbread men (and truffle balls, if making) on the rack and place in the freezer while you melt the chocolate.
  • Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a medium bowl at 50 percent power in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until completely smooth, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes total. Allow the chocolate to cool 20 minutes.
  • Put a gingerbread man, smooth-side up, on a fork, and spoon the chocolate over, lightly tapping the fork to let the excess drip back into the bowl to achieve a smooth coating of chocolate. Return the gingerbread person to the rack and repeat with the remaining men (and truffle balls, if desired). Refrigerate while you prepare the royal icing for decoration.
  • For the royal icing, combine the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder in an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whisk to combine. With the mixer on low speed, add the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons water and mix until smooth, then scrape down the sides of the bowl and add about 1 tablespoon more water, a little at a time, to make an icing that drizzles slowly from a spoon dipped into the bowl. Increase the speed to high and beat until the icing is very smooth, about 1 minute. Spoon a third of the icing into a pastry bag fitted with a small plain tip. (Alternatively, transfer to a resealable plastic bag and snip off a corner.) Divide the rest of the icing between 2 small bowls, using food coloring to color one red and one green. Transfer the icing to 2 more piping bags, fitted with small plain tips (#3 or #4) or resealable plastic bags. (You will have icing left over.)
  • Decorate the gingerbread men (and truffle balls, if desired) with the royal icing. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

KAHLUA GINGERBREAD PEOPLE WITH KAHLUA ICING



Kahlua Gingerbread People with Kahlua Icing image

I cut this out from my inlaw's newspaper. I found it to be a great dough to work with and it tastes great. Just remember the dough is easiest to handle if it is refridgerated overnight, so plan ahead.

Provided by Pamela

Categories     Dessert

Time 18m

Yield 24 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
3 tablespoons Kahlua
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon mace
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 lb powdered sugar
1/4 cup Kahlua
3 tablespoons shortening
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons corn syrup

Steps:

  • Cream shortening, butter, and sugar together.
  • Beat in egg until fluffy.
  • Stir in molasses and Kahlua.
  • Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and blend well.
  • Cover and chill for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight.
  • Roll out to 3/8 inch, on a well floured surface, a portion at a time.
  • Keep remaining dough chilled.
  • Cut with cookie cutter and place on lightly greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
  • Let stand for 1 minute to firm.
  • Decorate with Kahlua Icing.
  • For icing combine all ingredients and tint with food coloring if desired.
  • Pipe icing as desired.
  • to make icing spreadable add 1 or 2 tsp more Kahlua.

GINGERBREAD PEOPLE COOKIES



Gingerbread People Cookies image

Categories     Yogurt     Cookies     Christmas     Dessert     Bake

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 cup Butter
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Dark Molasses
3 1/2 cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Cloves
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
2 teaspoons Ginger
1/2 teaspoon Salt

Steps:

  • Blend butter and brown sugar until creamy. Beat in dark molasses.
  • Sift flour with baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and salt.
  • Add to butter mixture in three parts. Alternate with 1/3 cup water (may need a little extra).
  • Roll out dough. Cut out shapes with cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 minutes or longer. Test doneness by pressing dough with finger.

SPLENDA GINGERBREAD PEOPLE



SPLENDA GINGERBREAD PEOPLE image

Categories     Cookies     Egg     Dessert     Bake

Yield 20 servings, 1 cookie each

Number Of Ingredients 8

3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter, softened
6 Tbsp Splenda brown sugar
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Butterscotch Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. ground ginger
1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • BEAT butter, Splenda brown sugar, dry pudding mix and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Combine remaining ingredients. Gradually add to pudding mixture, beating well after each addition; cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or until dough is firm. PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch-thickness. Cut into gingerbread shapes with 4-inch cookie cutter. Place on greased baking sheets. Use a straw to make a hole near the top of each cookie to use for hanging. BAKE 10 to 12 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from baking sheets. Cool on wire racks. Decorate as desired.

GINGERBREAD PEOPLE



GINGERBREAD PEOPLE image

Categories     Ginger

Number Of Ingredients 7

3/4 c butter softened
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 small pk butterscotch instant pudding
1 egg 2 c flour
1 t soda
1/1/2 t ginger
1-1/2 t cinnamon

Steps:

  • Beat butter,sugar, pudding,egg together, add dry ing. chill dough for 1 hr. Roll 1/4 " thick, Cut with favorite cookie cutter,(nice to have the little miniture gingerbread men cutters Bake 350 10-12 min

Tips:

  • Chill the dough before baking: This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut out the cookies: This will give you clean edges and prevent the cookies from becoming misshapen.
  • Bake the cookies on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet: This will prevent them from sticking to the pan.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before decorating them: This will help the icing set properly.
  • Be creative with your decorations: You can use a variety of icing colors and sprinkles to create festive and fun gingerbread people.

Conclusion:

Gingerbread people are a classic holiday treat that are enjoyed by people of all ages. They are relatively easy to make and can be decorated in a variety of ways, making them a perfect activity for families and friends to enjoy together. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe will help you create delicious and festive gingerbread people that will be the hit of your next holiday party.

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