Gingerbread Men - Day 5

The aroma of gingerbread wafting through the house is a hallmark of the festive season, conjuring memories of warmth and togetherness. Gingerbread figures, especially the charming gingerbread men, have become a beloved Christmas tradition. Their origins can be traced back to medieval Europe, where they were often crafted for celebrations and festivals. Today, these delightful treats not only satisfy our sweet tooth but also offer a fun activity for family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, creating gingerbread men is a joyous experience that adds a touch of homemade love to your Christmas festivities.

The choice of ingredients greatly impacts the final product. Fresh spices will infuse your figures with robust flavour, and using quality butter will provide a pleasing texture. The golden syrup contributes not only to sweetness but also to the dough's pliability, making it easier to shape. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin, as this will help the mixing process go smoothly.

To make the perfect gingerbread men, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 350g plain flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 125g unsalted butter
• 175g light soft brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 4 tbsp golden syrup.

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4.
2. Begin by sifting the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, and cinnamon into a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Once the butter and sugar are well mixed, beat in the egg and golden syrup until fully combined.

3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms. The consistency should be firm yet pliable, not sticky. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more golden syrup. Conversely, if it’s too sticky, incorporate a bit more flour.

4. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

5. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 0.5cm. This thickness ensures that the gingerbread men are sturdy but will cook evenly. Use gingerbread men cutters, pressing firmly into the dough to create your shapes. Lift the cutters straight up without twisting to maintain clean edges. Gather the remaining dough, re-roll it, and continue cutting shapes until all the dough is used.

6. Place your gingerbread men on a lined baking tray, ensuring they have enough space between them to expand slightly during baking. Bake for 10-15 minutes, monitoring them closely. Aim for a lovely golden brown colour and a texture that is firm to the touch but still soft in the centre. They will continue to harden as they cool.
7. To prevent overbaking, remove the gingerbread men from the oven as soon as the edges begin to darken. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them set without breaking or becoming too crisp.

For an extra festive touch, consider using a small knife or skewer to create patterns or designs on the dough before baking. This can add a personalised element to each gingerbread man. Keep in mind that different ovens may have slight temperature variations, so it’s always best to keep a close eye on the first batch and adjust baking times as necessary for subsequent batches.

8. Once baked, allow your gingerbread men to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding with any decorations. This will ensure that the icing adheres properly and does not melt.

Royal icing remains a timeless option, providing a shiny finish and the flexibility to pipe intricate patterns. For added vibrancy, incorporate food colouring into your icing.

9. Begin by outlining the gingerbread figures with white icing, adding features like buttons, eyes, and a mouth. You can also use chocolate chips, currants, or small sweets for these elements, which lend an additional layer of texture and flavour. If you want to venture into more detailed designs, consider drawing festive motifs such as snowflakes, holly leaves, or Christmas trees.

For a more colourful and playful touch, decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter. You might also experiment with fondant to create small hats, scarves, or other accessories, giving your gingerbread men a character of their own. Another delightful idea is to dip the edges in melted chocolate and then sprinkle them with crushed peppermint or desiccated coconut for a wintery effect.

Feel free to mix and match different decorative elements to create a variety of unique designs. This not only makes the process enjoyable but also results in an assortment of beautifully adorned gingerbread men that can cater to different tastes and aesthetics.

There you have them, my fun and quirky, quick and easy Gingerbread Men. Great for baking in advance and allowing the kids to decorate. Or if like me, you can enjoy them once cooled.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*