Delicious Gluten Free Gingerbread Men for the Holidays

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Gluten Free Gingerbread Men are a delightful holiday treat that adds joy to any Christmas baking project. This recipe offers a fantastic way to include those with gluten sensitivities in the festive fun without compromising on flavor. With warm spices and the option for beautiful decorations, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

These Gluten Free Gingerbread Men are not just delicious; they’re also versatile and cater to various dietary needs. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:

Perfectly spiced for a festive flavor.
Can be made dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.
Great for holiday gift-giving or family gatherings.
Easy to customize with different icing colors and designs.
Soft gluten-free gingerbread men that melt in your mouth.
Fun activity for kids to decorate gluten-free gingerbread cookies.
Healthy gluten-free gingerbread recipe with simple ingredients.
Enjoy a traditional holiday treat that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

Gather these items:

350 g gluten free plain flour
1/4 tsp xanthan gum
3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
3 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
125 g butter (chopped and cold; use dairy free alternative if necessary)
175 g light brown sugar
4 tbsp golden syrup
1 egg
500 g royal icing sugar
80 ml cold water
Colour gels

How to Make Gluten Free Gingerbread Men Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten free flour, xanthan gum, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, and cinnamon. Add the chopped cold butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the light brown sugar, then add the golden syrup and egg, mixing thoroughly until the dough comes together into a smooth ball.
Step 2: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to roll out and shape.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly flour a clean surface with gluten free flour and roll out the chilled dough to about 5 mm (1/4 inch) thickness. Use gingerbread men cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the gingerbread men in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until they are firm to the touch and slightly browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Step 5: In a bowl, gradually mix the royal icing sugar with cold water until it forms a smooth, pipeable consistency. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add desired food colour gels to create different colours for decorating.
Step 6: Once the gingerbread men have fully cooled, use piping bags or small brushes to decorate with the coloured royal icing as desired. Allow the icing to set before serving or packaging.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

Keep these in mind:

This recipe can be made dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter alternative.
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Use various colour gels to create festive designs and fun decorations.
For a unique twist, try adding almond flour for a nutty flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

Here are some fun ideas for serving:

Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Use them as festive decorations on your holiday table.
Gift them in decorative boxes to share the holiday spirit with friends and family.

How to Store and Reheat Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed for several days without losing their delightful texture. For meal prep, consider making the dough ahead of time and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

What’s the secret to perfect Gluten Free Gingerbread Men?

The secret lies in using high-quality gluten-free flour and letting the dough chill before rolling it out. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Can I make Gluten Free Gingerbread Men ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This allows you to bake fresh gingerbread men whenever you wish!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Gluten Free Gingerbread Men?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature and measure them accurately. Also, do not skip the chilling step as it’s crucial for the dough’s consistency.

Variations of Gluten Free Gingerbread Men You Can Try

Feel free to get creative with these variations:

Make vegan gluten-free gingerbread men by substituting the egg with flaxseed meal.
Add a hint of orange zest for a citrus twist.
Incorporate chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
Try different shapes for gluten-free baked gingerbread figures to make it even more fun for kids.