Gingerbread cookies, shaped like little men, are one of the classic symbols of winter holidays in Europe and the U.S. And the good news — you can easily bake them at home.
History
The Gingerbread Man is a fairy-tale character from an old English story, very similar to the Russian/Ukrainian “Kolobok.” The character remains popular today in books, cartoons, and games. One version says that in the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I had gingerbread cookies shaped to resemble important guests at her court. Inspired by her, people began baking little decorated cookies at home, which quickly became a favorite treat for children.
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp hot water
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder or baking soda
- 5 cups flour
- 200 g butter
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup honey or molasses
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 egg white
- 180 g powdered sugar
- juice of ½ lemon
Mix flour, baking powder (or soda), salt, and spices. Soften the butter at room temperature. Cream the butter with sugar until smooth, then add honey and eggs. Stir in the hot water and vinegar, then fold in the flour mixture with spices. Knead into dough.
Divide into 4 parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for 1–2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm thick, cut out gingerbread men shapes, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–20 minutes.
For the icing, lightly beat the egg white, mix with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Divide into portions and tint with food coloring. Use a brush to decorate the warm cookies, and top with sprinkles if desired.
Upd: if using baking soda, make sure to neutralize it with vinegar or lemon juice.
Mix flour, baking powder (or soda), salt, and spices. Soften the butter at room temperature. Cream the butter with sugar until smooth, then add honey and eggs. Stir in the hot water and vinegar, then fold in the flour mixture with spices. Knead into dough.
Divide into 4 parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for 1–2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm thick, cut out gingerbread men shapes, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–20 minutes.
For the icing, lightly beat the egg white, mix with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Divide into portions and tint with food coloring. Use a brush to decorate the warm cookies, and top with sprinkles if desired.
Upd: if using baking soda, make sure to neutralize it with vinegar or lemon juice.
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