How To Make Gingerbread Man Ornament Recipe

Supplies Needed

To create your own gingerbread man ornament, you will need a few essential supplies. Gathering these materials beforehand will ensure a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience. Here is a list of the supplies you will need:

A mixing bowl
A wooden spoon or spatula
A rolling pin
Gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Assorted decorating icing
Icing bags or squeeze bottles
Decorating tips for icing
Assorted colorful candies or sprinkles
A ribbon or string for hanging
A small paintbrush (optional)
Craft glue or hot glue gun (optional)

Make sure you have all of these supplies on hand before you begin, as it will save you the hassle of pausing midway through the ornament-making process to gather what you need. Once you have everything ready, you will be able to focus on the fun and creativity of making your own gingerbread man ornament.

Step 1: Making the Dough

The first step in creating your gingerbread man ornament is to make the dough. The dough serves as the foundation for your ornament and provides that classic gingerbread scent. Follow these simple steps to make the dough:

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in an egg and 1/3 cup of molasses, mixing well until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to use your hands to bring the dough together into a ball.

Once the dough is formed, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to work with.

If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness to your ornament, you can incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or other desired flavorings into the dough. This will give your gingerbread man a delightful aroma and taste.

By following these steps, you will have a batch of gingerbread dough ready to be transformed into charming gingerbread man ornaments. The next step is rolling and cutting the dough to create the desired shape.

Step 2: Rolling and Cutting the Dough

Once you have chilled the gingerbread dough, it’s time to roll it out and cut it into adorable gingerbread man shapes. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly shaped ornaments:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Take a portion of the chilled dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. You can work with a small portion at a time to make it more manageable.
Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Make sure to keep the surface and rolling pin lightly floured to prevent sticking.
Once the dough is rolled out, it’s time to cut out your gingerbread man shapes. Press the gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter firmly into the dough, creating clean and defined shapes.
Transfer the cut-out shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one.
Continue rolling out the dough and cutting out shapes until you have used up all the dough.

If you want to add additional detail to your gingerbread man ornament, you can use a small, sharp knife to carefully cut out a small hole near the top of the head. This will allow you to later hang the ornament with a ribbon or string.

Remember, don’t overcrowd the baking sheets, as the ornaments will expand slightly during baking. If needed, use multiple baking sheets or bake them in batches.

Once you have finished cutting out the shapes, you’re ready to move on to the next step: making the face and buttons for your gingerbread man ornament.

Step 3: Making the Face and Buttons

Adding a face and buttons to your gingerbread man ornament brings it to life with personality and charm. Follow these simple steps to make the face and buttons:

Take your prepared gingerbread man shapes and place them on the lined baking sheets.
Using the decorating icing, create the eyes, nose, and mouth of the gingerbread man. You can use a small round decorating tip or simply snip a small opening in the icing bag or squeeze bottle.
Get creative with the facial features! Consider using mini candy buttons for the eyes, a small candy heart for the nose, or piped icing for a smiling mouth.
Next, it’s time to add buttons to your gingerbread man ornament. Use small candies or sprinkles of your choice to represent the buttons down the chest of the gingerbread man.
Keep in mind that the decorating icing acts as the “glue” to adhere the candies or sprinkles to the ornament. Apply a small dot of icing on each spot where you want to place a button, then press the candy or sprinkle gently onto the icing.

Remember to work quickly with the icing and decorations, as the icing tends to harden as it dries. If needed, you can use a small paintbrush dipped in water to lightly moisten the back of the candies or sprinkles that you want to stick onto the ornament.

Once you have created the face and buttons, your gingerbread man ornament will start to come to life. The next step is to bake the gingerbread man in the oven so that it becomes firm and holds its shape.

Step 4: Baking the Gingerbread Man

Now that you have decorated your gingerbread man ornament with its adorable face and buttons, it’s time to bake it in the oven. Baking will not only help the ornament become firm and hold its shape, but it will also fill your home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. Follow these steps to bake the gingerbread man:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal baking temperature.
Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the decorated gingerbread man shapes into the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown and the gingerbread man feels firm to the touch.
Keep a close eye on the ornaments while they are baking to prevent them from overcooking. Baking times may vary depending on the thickness of your ornaments and the accuracy of your oven.
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.
Allow the gingerbread man ornaments to cool completely before handling them. This will ensure that they firm up and solidify, making them more durable for hanging and displaying.

While your gingerbread man ornaments are cooling, you can prepare for the next step, which involves adding the finishing touches and decorating them further to make them truly festive and unique.

Step 5: Decorating the Gingerbread Man

Once your gingerbread man ornaments have cooled completely, it’s time to let your creativity shine and add the finishing touches. Decorating the gingerbread man will not only make it visually appealing but also allow for personalization and customization. Follow these steps to decorate your gingerbread man:

Prepare a variety of colored icing in different decorating bags or squeeze bottles. You can use white icing as a base and then add food coloring to create different shades.
Use the icing to further define the facial features, such as adding details to the eyes and mouth or creating eyebrows.
Get creative with the icing by adding patterns, such as squiggles or lines, to the arms, legs, and body of the gingerbread man. You can also add decorative buttons or accessories, like a miniature sugar bowtie or scarf.
If desired, use a small paintbrush and edible luster dust to add a touch of shimmer to the ornament. Lightly brush the dust onto specific areas, such as the edges or the buttons, to give them an elegant sparkle.
Consider adding small decorative elements, such as colorful candies, sprinkles, or edible glitter, to enhance the overall look of the gingerbread man ornament.

Remember, there are no set rules for decorating your gingerbread man ornament. Let your imagination run wild and have fun with the process. The more personalized and unique your ornament is, the more special it will be when displayed.

Once you have finished decorating, allow the icing to set and harden. This may take a couple of hours, depending on the type of icing used. Once the icing has hardened, your gingerbread man ornament will be ready to hang and showcase its festive charm.

Now that your gingerbread man has been beautifully adorned, it’s time to move on to the next step – adding a ribbon or string to hang the ornament.

Step 6: Adding a Ribbon or String for Hanging

To turn your gingerbread man ornament into a delightful hanging decoration, you’ll need to add a ribbon or string. This step is essential for displaying your ornament on a Christmas tree, wreath, or any other desired location. Follow these simple steps to add a ribbon or string:

Choose a ribbon or string that complements the colors and style of your gingerbread man ornament. A festive red or green ribbon works well, or you could opt for a rustic jute twine for a more natural look.
Take the ribbon or string and thread it through the small hole you made near the top of the gingerbread man’s head. Ensure the ribbon is long enough to create a loop for hanging.
Tie a knot or bow at the top of the gingerbread man’s head to secure the ribbon or string in place. Make sure it is tight enough to hold the ornament but loose enough to allow for easy hanging.
Once the ribbon or string is securely attached, gently tug on it to ensure it is properly fastened.

Now, your gingerbread man ornament is ready to be displayed with pride. Hang it on your Christmas tree, adorn a festive garland with several ornaments, or use it as a decorative accent wherever you desire.

If you plan to gift the ornament to someone special, you can attach a small gift tag or personalized note to the ribbon or string. This adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness and allows the recipient to cherish both the ornament and the sentiment behind it.

With the ribbon or string attached, your gingerbread man ornament is complete and ready to spread holiday cheer. But before you finish, let’s explore the final step: storing and preserving the ornament to ensure its longevity.

Step 7: Storing and Preserving the Ornament

After putting so much effort into creating your gingerbread man ornament, it’s essential to properly store and preserve it to ensure its longevity. By taking a few simple steps, you can enjoy your handmade ornament for years to come. Follow these guidelines:

Ensure that your gingerbread man ornament is completely dry before storing it. This will prevent any moisture from causing mold or deterioration.
Find a suitable storage container or box that can protect the ornament from dust, humidity, and potential damage. Consider using a sturdy plastic container with a secure lid or a padded ornament storage box.
Place the gingerbread man ornament gently in the storage container, making sure not to stack or overcrowd the ornaments. If necessary, use tissue paper or bubble wrap to provide additional cushioning and prevent any movement.
Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and extreme temperature fluctuations. These conditions can cause the gingerbread to soften or lose its shape.
If desired, add a sachet of silica gel or a moisture-absorbing packet to the storage container to help prevent any condensation or moisture build-up.
Periodically check your stored ornaments to ensure they are still in good condition. If you notice any signs of damage or deterioration, take immediate measures to repair or replace the ornament.

By following these storage and preservation tips, you can enjoy your gingerbread man ornament year after year, creating a cherished tradition for yourself, your family, or your loved ones.

Now that you have successfully learned how to make and preserve your gingerbread man ornament, it’s time to let your creativity shine and spread the joy of the holiday season. Happy crafting!

Tips and Tricks for Success

Creating gingerbread man ornaments can be a delightful and rewarding process. To ensure your crafting experience goes smoothly and your ornaments turn out beautifully, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

Use fresh and quality ingredients to make your gingerbread dough. This will enhance the flavor and overall texture of the ornaments.
Allow the dough to chill adequately in the refrigerator before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and prevent the gingerbread man shapes from spreading during baking.
Dust your rolling pin and work surface with flour periodically to prevent the dough from sticking. This will make rolling and cutting the dough a breeze.
Experiment with different icing colors, textures, and decorating techniques. Let your imagination soar and create unique and personalized gingerbread man ornaments.
When smoothing the icing on the gingerbread man’s surface, use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon for a neat and even finish.
If you want to add more intricate details, such as clothing patterns or intricate facial expressions, use a fine-tipped icing pen or toothpicks to draw or etch the design.
Allow the decorated gingerbread man ornaments to dry thoroughly before stacking or storing them. This will prevent any smudging or damage to the icing decorations.
For a glossy and professional finish, brush a thin layer of clear edible glaze or a sugar syrup mixture over the decorated gingerbread man ornaments.
Don’t limit yourself to traditional gingerbread flavors. You can experiment with different spices or even add a touch of citrus zest to the dough for a unique twist.
Consider hosting a gingerbread man ornament decorating party with friends or family. It’s a fun and festive way to bond and create cherished memories.

Remember, the most important tip is to enjoy the process and embrace your creativity. Each gingerbread man ornament you create is a unique work of art that adds warmth and holiday spirit to your home. So, have fun, get creative, and let your gingerbread man ornaments shine!