Best Gingerbread Men Cookies

Best Gingerbread Men Cookies

Strawberry Jargarita

Strawberry Jargarita

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Total Time
Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

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Orange Creamsicle Margarita

Orange Creamsicle Margarita

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Cherry Margarita

Italian Cherry Margarita

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Prepration Time
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Serving

Ingradients

For the Cookies:
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Decorating (Optional):
  • Royal icing (powdered sugar + meringue powder + water)
  • Sprinkles, candy eyes, colored sugar
  • Food coloring (gel preferred)

Directions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter & Sugar:

    • In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar with a mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients:

    • Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine:

    • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
    • Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1–2 hours (essential for easy rolling and shape retention).
  5. Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Roll & Cut:

    • On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to ¼–½ inch thickness.
    • Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut shapes.
    • Transfer to baking sheets, 1 inch apart.
  7. Bake:

    • Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked.
    • Centers should still look soft — they firm up as they cool.
  8. Cool & Decorate:

    • Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
    • Decorate once completely cooled with royal icing, sprinkles, or candy.

Pros:

  1. Warm, Spiced Flavor: Ginger, cinnamon, and molasses create a cozy, holiday taste.
  2. Soft & Chewy Texture: Perfect for kids and seniors alike.
  3. Holds Shape Well: Ideal for decorating and gift-giving.
  4. Kid-Friendly: Great for holiday baking fun with children.
  5. Freezer-Friendly: Dough or baked cookies freeze beautifully.

Cons:

  1. High in Sugar (10g per cookie): Especially with icing — not ideal for diabetics.
  2. Low in Protein & Fiber: Not a balanced snack on its own.
  3. Contains Saturated Fat (3g): From butter — best in moderation.
  4. Gluten & Dairy Present: Not suitable for gluten-sensitive or lactose-intolerant individuals.
  5. Chilling Required: Needs planning ahead (1–2 hours).

Suitability for Aged People (65+ years)

Generally Suitable — With Care:

  • Soft Texture: Easy to chew, even with dentures.
  • Warm Spices: May support digestion and circulation.
  • Nostalgic & Comforting: Familiar holiday flavors boost mood and memory.

🔹 Recommendations for Seniors:

  • Serve in small portions (1 cookie) to manage sugar and calories.
  • Pair with tea or warm milk for easier swallowing.
  • Use lower-sugar icing or decorate with cinnamon instead of sugar.
  • Avoid if managing diabetes, heart disease, or GERD (spices may trigger symptoms).

Who Should Avoid or Modify This Recipe?

Condition
Reason
Suggested Modification
Diabetes
High sugar (10g+) causes blood glucose spikes.
Use sugar-free molasses alternative and low-glycemic icing.
Heart Disease
Saturated fat from butter.
Use plant-based butter (in moderation).
Lactose Intolerance
Butter contains dairy.
Use dairy-free butter alternative.
Gluten Sensitivity
Contains all-purpose flour.
Use certified gluten-free flour blend.
Food Allergies
Contains egg, dairy, wheat.
Use allergy-safe substitutes (e.g., flax egg, GF flour).
GERD / Acid Reflux
Spices (ginger, cloves) may irritate some individuals.
Reduce spice blend or avoid.
Obesity / Weight Loss
High in calories and sugar for a snack.
Limit to 1 cookie occasionally; offer fruit instead.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient
Amount
% Daily Value
Calories
130
Total Fat
5g
6%
Saturated Fat
3g
15%
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
20mg
7%
Sodium
95mg
4%
Total Carbohydrate
20g
7%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Total Sugars
10g
Protein
1g
2%
Vitamin A
80 IU
2%
Vitamin C
0mg
0%
Calcium
20mg
2%
Iron
1.3mg
7%
Potassium
60mg
1%