Gingerbread Men with Green Matcha Icing
Get into the holiday spirit with these festive gingerbread men with green matcha icing! This classic recipe is infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The addition of matcha powder in the icing gives these cookies a vibrant and unique twist, as well as adding a dose of antioxidants and a delicious green tea flavor. Perfect for baking with family and friends, these gingerbread men are easy to make and decorate, and make a great gift or party favor. Follow the simple steps below to create your own gingerbread men with green matcha icing and enjoy a fun and delicious holiday treat.
Origins of the First Gingerbread Man Cookie
Gingerbread men cookies were first created by Queen Elizabeth I of England. The gingerbread shapes were made to represent the shapes of each important guest at her extravagantly thrown parties. Each cookie would be molded into a mini characterture to impress her attending guests. Aside from the nobility, common folk would indulge in a form of shaped ginger biscuit treats also. Man shaped biscuits called ‘husbands’ would be eaten by women wanting to find husbands. Heart shaped biscuits were thought to mean love and kindness, while rabbit shaped biscuits would mean fertility!
Before the gingerbread cookie became a festive and fun treat, it was once a demonic symbol! It was thought that the ancient Romans would eat man shaped biscuits during the winter solstice celebrations to symbolise human sacrifice! Over time, the meaning changed and the shaped biscuits evolved into the pleasant and merry cookies that we know and love today.
What to Pair With These Gingerbread Cookies
I would always recommend pairing baked goods with a lovely cuppa! If you would like to try something a little more fancy and indulgent, give one of these recipes a go:
Coconut Chai Latte - Made with warming masala chai spices, smoky maple syrup and creamy coconut cream.
Chai Mulled Wine - Infused with aromatic masala chai for a unique twist on a classic festive drink.
Black Forest Tea Latte - Just like a coffee shop latte, rich, creamy and incredibly chocolatey! Add a splash of cherry liqueur for added warmth!
Tips for Making the Best Gingerbread Men
Once you have made your dough, allow it to firm up a little by placing in the fridge for an hour before rolling out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days if necessary. If the dough feels a little hard after being refrigerated for 1-2 days, leave it on the counter for a few minutes until soft enough to roll out.
Cut your dough into 2-3 pieces for manageable rolling.
To make your festive natural green icing, use a tablespoon of matcha green tea powder. You can also use beet powder to make a natural pink/red colour. Both work great to give a Christmassy feel to your cookies.
Once you have mixed your icing into a smooth consistency, spoon it into a small ziplock bag and snip off one corner for an easy and disposable piping bag.
Decorate your cookie shapes with added chocolate chips, smarties or any fun coloured sweets and candies that your heart desires.
How to Make Gingerbread Men Cookies with Matcha Icing
INGREDIENTS (Makes 24 Cookies)
1/2 Cup (115g) of Butter
1/2 Cup (130g) of Black Treacle/Molasses
1/2 Cup (100g) of Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
3 Cups (360g) of Plain/All Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon
2 Teaspoons of Ginger
1/4 Teaspoon of Nutmeg
Pinch of Salt
1 Cup (130g) of Icing Sugar/Powdered Sugar
1 Tablespoon of Matcha Green Tea - Optional
1 Tablespoon of Milk (Regular or Plant Based)
METHOD
In a mixing bowl combine the butter, sugar and molasses with an electric mixer, stand mixer or with a whisk.
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract and combine.
Sift in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and pinch of salt.
Using a wooden spoon, or your hands, mix together the wet and dry ingredients until a ball of dough has formed.
Wrap the dough in cling film and place in the fridge for about an hour.
While your cookie dough is firming in the fridge, preheat the oven to 150*C/350*F/Gas Mark 4 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dust a clean work surface with a little flour, and using a rolling pin, roll out your dough to 1/4 inch thick before cutting out your festive shapes.
Place your cut cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes before allowing to cool.
While your cookies are cooling, make the icing. Combine the icing sugar with matcha powder and a little milk. Mix until a smooth paste forms. Put into a piping bag or small ziplock bag and pipe your design. Alternatively, frost your cookies using a knife.
Serve your gingerbread cookies with lovely cups of tea and enjoy!
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