Delicious Gluten Free Gingerbread Men for Christmas

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Gluten Free Gingerbread Men are a delightful holiday treat that brings festive cheer to any occasion. This recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy traditional gingerbread cookies without the gluten, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The warm spices of ginger and cinnamon fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma, ensuring that your family will be eager to help with the decorating process. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or looking for a fun activity with the kids, this easy gluten-free gingerbread recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

These gluten-free gingerbread cookies not only taste amazing but also cater to various dietary needs. Here are a few reasons to love them:

Perfect for the holiday season, especially for festive gatherings.
Easy to make, even if you’re new to gluten-free baking.
Customizable flavors with spices and add-ins to suit your taste.
Fun to decorate, making them a great activity for kids.
Can be made vegan by substituting the egg and butter.
Ideal for gluten-free holiday cookies that everyone can enjoy.

This recipe falls under the category of Dessert, and using simple ingredients ensures that you can whip up a batch in no time!

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.
Step 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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.
Step 5: Use gingerbread men cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 is gluten free and can be made dairy free.
Adjust the spices according to your preference.
Store in an airtight container for freshness.
For best results, chill the dough longer if it feels too soft.

Best Ways to Serve Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

Here are a few fun ideas:

Serve them alongside hot cocoa or mulled cider during family gatherings.
Use them as festive decorations on your holiday table.
Pack them as sweet gifts for friends and family.

How to Store and Reheat Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

Store your gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to make them in advance, they freeze well. Just thaw them at room temperature before decorating or serving. This recipe has a total time of just 1 hour, making it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Gingerbread Men

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

The secret lies in using the right ratio of gluten-free flour and xanthan gum to achieve the right texture. This ensures that your gingerbread cookies without gluten are flavorful and hold their shape well.

Can I make Gluten Free Gingerbread Men ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a few days in advance and keep it refrigerated. It’s a great way to save time during the holiday rush!

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

One common mistake is not chilling the dough long enough, which can lead to cookies spreading. Make sure to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if the dough is soft.

Variations of Gluten Free Gingerbread Men You Can Try

Here are some fun variations:

Make vegan gluten-free gingerbread men by substituting the egg with flaxseed meal and the butter with coconut oil.
Try adding a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing twist in your traditional gluten-free gingerbread recipe.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider making gluten-free spicy gingerbread cookies by adding cayenne pepper to the mix.
Get creative with your icing designs for gluten-free gingerbread men with icing that match your holiday theme!

Delicious Gluten Free Gingerbread Men for Christmas - Gluten Free Gingerbread Men - main visual representation

For more festive recipes, check out our Frankenstein Cupcakes or Ghost Brownies. You can also explore Salted Caramel Cookies for a sweet treat!

Delicious Gluten Free Gingerbread Men for Christmas - Gluten Free Gingerbread Men - additional detail

For more information on gluten-free baking, you can visit the Gluten Intolerance Group for resources and tips.