I love the look of gingerbread men cookies – but the taste is just too strong and intense for me. For years, I would see one and think that maybe this time I would like it – but I never did. That is, until today. For those of you who follow my Facebook page, you know that when I go to yard sales I love buying vintage cookbooks. The pictures are unparalleled – just so cool! While thumbing through the cookbook entitled “Gifts from your Kitchen” Better Homes and Gardens, 1968, I came upon a recipe for Puddin’ Head Gingerbread Men. As I sat in shock, forgetting that being politically correct is a somewhat new thing in the world, all I could think about was Puddin’ Head Wilson – which was written of course, by Mark Twain as a commentary on the biting racism of society at the time (1894). When I finally came back to myself, I looked at the recipe and noticed that this seemed unique and it actually sounded good! I set out to make it – but first you should know that at my Wal-Mart it was not easy to find the one box of Cook and Serve Butterscotch pudding mix needed and you may have to look as well! Thank goodness my son-in-law was able to find one giving me the chance to make these wonderfully mild cookies!
The ingredients you will need:
1 – 3 ounce box of Cook and Serve Butterscotch pudding mix
1 stick of butter – softened
½ Cup packed brown sugar
1 egg – room temperature
1 and ½ Cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 and ½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1. Mix the first four ingredients and sift the last four ingredients.
2. Add the last four to the first four and mix well.
3. Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour and preferably overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 350 F or 175 C.
5. Spray cookie sheets with non-stick or put on pan liner like I did.
6. On a floured surface and using a floured rolling pin, roll ½ dough out.
7. Using a 4 inch gingerbread man cookie cutter, cut cookies out.
8. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
9. Cook for 6-8 minutes.
10. Allow to cool for a few minutes and then place on a wire rack until completely cool.
11. Ice if you like with sugar cookie icing.
