Popular
Latest From the Show
You Need to See These 4 Hilariously Cute Gingerbread Men Because…
Q&A with Organizational Pro Peter Walsh + Dermatologist Shares A…
Actor Hank Azaria + Freezer Meals + Artichokes 2 Ways with Rach
See Inside Barbara Corcoran's Stunning NY Apartment + It's Steak…
How to Make Chicken and Lobster Piccata | Richard Blais
Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…
Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…
The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…
How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray
Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …
How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …
Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message
How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro
How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…
How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin
How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray
Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …
Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special
Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…
From dancing gingerbread men cookies to Rudolph gingerbread men cookies — and everything in between — you've never seen gingerbread cookies like this before, thanks to former culinary team member and Rach's "Cookie Man," Grant Melton.
7 Fun Ways To Decorate Gingerbread Men Cookies
1. Gingy Loves-a-lot
Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a little heart in the gingerbread man. Drop a few cinnamon candies (such as Redhots) into the heart and bake. If the candies aren’t completely melted, while they're still warm, press the cinnamon candies so they spread to fill up the heart. Let cool and decorate.
2. Angry Gingerbread Men
Using a fluted cookie cutter or just a paring knife, cut off either an arm or a leg from the gingerbread man. Bake and let cool. Decorate them and make sure to give them a frown or angry face when you decorate them!
3. Gingy the Snowman
Once cool, frost the gingerbread man with white frosting. Cut a small orange candy (such as Starburst) into quarters. Roll them so that they look like a carrot nose. Cut a rope licorice into a bunch of tiny pieces. Use them to make his eyes and mouth!
4. Dancing Gingerbread Men
Cut off the legs. Use your fingers to spread the bottom of the gingerbread man out to make enough room to cut out two finger-size holes. Using the back of a pastry tip, cut out two holes on the bottom of the gingerbread man. Carefully place them on a cookie sheet and bake. Let cool and decorate.
5. Rudolph the Gingerbread Men
Once cool, use a piping bag with some white frosting in it to draw a big circle covering the head of the gingerbread man. While the frosting is still sticky, dip it in some red sanding sugar to create a big red nose. Pipe on two eyes in the center of the gingerbread man. Starting from between his eyes, pipe antlers up the legs of the gingerbread man.
6. Hugging Gingerbread Men
Once the cookies are on the baking sheet, place a peppermint candy or a sprig of rosemary on the gingerbread man’s chest. Carefully fold his arms over the rosemary or peppermint and bake. Let cool and decorate.
7. Drunk Gingerbread Men
While the cookies are still hot, remove them into a martini glass, mug or, if you’re making them for a crowd, a muffin pan. Allow them to cool in the glass. Once cool, decorate them accordingly. When you’re ready to serve pour some eggnog, hot cocoa or milk over them and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, melted
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 egg
Yield
Serves: 2 dozen
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, salt, cinnamon, cloves and ground fennel. Set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar and orange zest. Mix on a medium speed until the mixture well-incorporated. Add in the egg and beat for another minute or two. Turn the mixer to its slowest speed and slowly add in the flour mixture, half a cup at a time.
Turn the dough onto some plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. (You can also pop it into the freezer and save it for a later use.)
Preheat oven to 350°F.
On a well-floured surface, roll the cookie dough out until about 1/8-inch thick. Cut the gingerbread men with a large cookie cutter.
If you're making the Dancing Gingerbread Men, decorate here before placing on sheet tray.
Place cookies on a parchment-lined sheet tray. If you're making Gingy Loves-a-lot, Angry Gingerbread Men or Hugging Gingerbread Men, decorate here.
Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven.
If you're making the Gingy the Snowman or the Rudolph the Gingerbread Men, let cool and then decorate. If you're making the Drunk Gingerbread Men, decorate while cookies are still hot.