Gram began making these gingerbread boys circa the 1940s. She’d present a round tin of the gingerbread boys, each decorated with cinnamon red hots for eyes, nose and buttons, and packaged in a plastic baggie with a red yarn bow. The following original recipe comes from Miller Cookie Cutter Company, and was distributed with their gingerbread boy cookie cutter, now an heirloom in our family.
My mom, who has taken over the tradition of making these, has every right to be protective over her cookie supply. These gingerbread boys (angels, reindeer, snowmen, Santas – whatever you want to make) take time and effort, from dough prep and chill time to rolling, baking and icing (a new tradition).
Time-intensive they may be, but you can’t buy anything like these cookies. This year, my mom came over and we made them together one afternoon, aprons on, hands covered in flour, catching up on the latest news. Cookies like these are a reminder of how to savor the holiday season – by reconnecting to annual traditions, slowing down and spending quality time with family.
Gram’s Gingerbread Boys
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses (look for Grandma’s brand)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp. vinegar
- 7 cups flour
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. ginger
- 4 tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
Cream shortening, add sugar gradually and cream thoroughly. Blend in molasses. Sift 2.5 cups flour with soda, spices, and salt and stir into syrup mixture. Add vinegar and remaining flour, alternating with buttermilk. Chill dough well. Roll out .25 inch thick on a lightly floured board and cut out into shapes. Roll the cookie dough thicker for soft gingerbread and thinner for crisper cookies. Red hot cinnamon dots are used for buttons, eyes and decor. Press red hots in for buttons and eyes before baking. Bake 10 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees.
Icing: Mix together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp., 4 tsp. hot milk and 1 tsp. vanilla. Dye color of choice. Icing is not overdone, merely used for trimming and accents.
For replica of the original “jolly gingerbread boy” cookie cutter, click here.
3 Comments