Santa Claus Gingerbread Recipe
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Yield: Makes 1 to 2 dozen gingerbread men, depending on cookie cutter size
- Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 of 18 servings): Calories 256, Total Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Sugar 25 g, Protein 3 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Sodium 123 mg
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon warm water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy release and perfect bakes.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter and shortening, then remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until smooth and fragrant. Stir in the melted butter mixture to create a rich base.
- Dissolve the baking soda in warm water in a small bowl, then blend it into the batter. Sift in the flour and mix well, followed by gradually stirring in the boiling water for a silky, spreadable dough that promises tender cookies.
- Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, then cut out cheerful gingerbread men with your favorite cutters. Place them on the prepared sheets, spacing for even baking.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden with crisp, firm edgeswatch them transform into festive delights!
- Cool completely on the sheets, then unleash your creativity with icing, candies, or royal icing to bring your gingerbread army to life.
Whip up these irresistible Santa Claus gingerbread men and fill your kitchen with holiday magicperfect for joyful baking adventures!
This recipe comes from professional chef Rick Allen at the Santa Claus Inn in Santa Claus, IN, and may need slight tweaks for your home kitchen.
