This page is dedicated to the many Cookie Holidays that we celebrate.
What is a Gingerbread Man?
"A gingerbread man is a cookie made of gingerbread, usually in the shape of a stylized human, as per the name (though making other shapes, especially seasonal themes, is quite common)."
"Most gingerbread men share the same roughly humanoid shape, with stubby feet and no fingers. Many gingerbread men have a face, though whether the features are indentations within the face itself or other candies stuck on with icing or chocolate varies from recipe to recipe. Other decorations are common; hair, shirt cuffs and shoes are sometimes applied, but by far the most popular decoration are shirt buttons, which are traditionally represented by gum drops, icing, or raisins."
"According to the 2003 Guinness Book of Records, the world’s largest gingerbread man weighed 168.8 kg (372.13 lb) and was made by chefs at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Vancouver, Canada, on November 19, 2003. It measured 4.23 m (13 ft 11 in) in height, 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) wide and 5.08 cm (2 in) deep."
"On December 2, 2006, the record was broken by the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce in Smithville, Texas at their annual Festival of Lights celebration. The gingerbread man weighed in at 1,308 lbs, 8 oz, and stood at over 20 feet. On December 6, 2008, also in conjunction with the annual Festival of Lights celebration, a monument was dedicated in honor of the feat made from the very cookie sheet that was used to break the record."
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Gingerbread House, Men or Cookies
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. dark molasses
1/4 c. water
2 1/2 c. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. allspice
Raisins
Candied cherries, red gum drops
Citron
String licorice
Decorator's icing
If you are using self rising flour omit salt and baking soda. If you are using quick mixing flour add 3 tablespoons milk.
Cream shortening and sugar. Blend in molasses, water, flour, salt, soda, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Chill for 2-3 hours. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured cloth covered board. Cut with cookie cutters or into shapes with a knife. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes. Immediately remove from baking sheet and cool. For crispier cookie roll dough 1/8 inch thick and bake for 8 minutes. Trim cookies as desired. For gingerbread men, press raisins into dough for eyes, nose, and buttons. Use bits of candied fruits and licorice for other trim. Makes 2 dozen regular cookies.
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Gingerbread Men Cookies
2 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. shortening
1/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. molasses
1 beaten egg
1 tsp. hot water
1 tsp. vinegar
Mix all ingredients. Roll onto well floured surface. Cut into gingerbread men. Place on greased cookie sheets dusted with flour. Bake at 350 degrees until brown.
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Gingerbread Favorites:
Favorite Cookie Recipes:
How-to-videos & recipes
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