Gingerbread Boys

 

When I asked our boys what they wanted to eat for our brunch

on Christmas morning, Grandma's Gingerbread Boys

was the first thing they mentioned- so I thought I'd share the

recipe with you as well, they really are very good!

 

Raisin Gingerbread

 

1 1/4 c. milk

1/2 c. butter

1/4 c. molasses or syrup

1 egg

1/2 t. ginger

1/2 t. salt

1 pkg. yeast

4 1/2 c. flour

1 c. raisins

 

I mixed the dough up in my bread machine, so that made it really easy.  But if you don't have a bread machine here are the "by hand" directions. 

 

In large mixing bowl combine 2 c. flour, yeast and ginger.  In saucepan heat and stir milk, butter, molasses, and salt until warm and butter almost melts.  Add to flour mixture along with egg.  Beat on low speed 30 seconds.  Beat on high speed 3 minutes.  Stir in remaining flour.  Add raisins and stir.  Knead until smooth and elastic.  Cover, let rise till double. 

 

Here is where I picked back up with the recipe when my dough was done in the bread machine- Punch down and let rest 10 minutes.  Roll to 3/4 inch thickness.  Cut into gingerbread boys with cookie cutter.  Place on lightly greased baking sheets.  Cover, let rise till double.  Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes.

 

Decorate with butter frosting~

 

In large mixing bowl beat 1/3 c. softened butter until fluffy.  Gradually add 2 c. powdered sugar, beating well.  Slowly beat in 1/4 c. milk and 1 1/2 t. vanilla.  Slowly beat in an additional 2-2 1/2 c. powdered sugar.  Beat in additional milk to make of piping consistency.