Sherrill's Secret Soft Gingerbread Boys

"This is cookbook author Nancy Baggett's re-creation of a popular gingerbread cookie sold at a former Capitol Hill landmark eatery, Sherrill's Restaurant and Bakery. The cookies are fragrant with spice, plump and slightly soft, yet not cakey. They are finished with a light, sugary icing that is reminiscent of doughnut glaze. Baker Howard Ward was not willing to part with his original recipe, but several fans of the Sherrill's version have told Baggett that hers is very close to the original. Adapted from her "The All-American Dessert Book"."
 
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Ready In:
40mins
Ingredients:
17
Serves:
18

ingredients

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directions

  • In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, oil, honey, molasses and brown sugar. Cook, stirring, until the butter melts and the mixture just comes to a full boil; immediately start timing and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer on low speed, combine the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Working carefully to avoid splashes, add the butter-molasses mixture. Beat on low speed until the ingredients are blended. Increase the speed to medium, until very well blended; if the mixer motor labors, stop and complete the mixing by hand. (The dough will seem too soft at this point.) Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the dough has stiffened and is barely warm.
  • Divide the dough into thirds. Roll out the portions a generous 1/4 -inch thick between sheets of baking parchment or waxed paper. Stack the rolled portions (paper still attached) on a tray or baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 to 40 minutes, or freeze for 20 to 25 minutes or until cold and firm. (The dough may be refrigerated for up to 12 hours, if preferred.).
  • Place a rack in the middle third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Grease several large baking sheets, or coat with nonstick spray oil.
  • Working with 1 dough portion at a time (leaving the remainder chilled), gently peel away 1 sheet of paper, then lightly pat it back into place. (That will make it easier to lift cookies from the paper later.) Flip the dough over, then peel off and discard the second sheet. Using a 4- to 5-inch gingerbread girl or boy cutter, cut out the cookies. Using a spatula, transfer cookies to baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. (If at any point the dough softens too much to handle easily, transfer the paper and cookies to a tray or baking sheet, and chill until firm again.) Gather up and reroll the dough scraps between sheets of paper. Continue cutting out cookies until all the dough is used. Very firmly press raisins into the cookies for eyes and front buttons.
  • Bake for 9 to 14 minutes, until the cookies are slightly colored on top and slightly darker at the edges; it's better to overbake than underbake. Set aside to firm up about 4 minutes; then, using a wide spatula, transfer to wire racks set over a sheet of waxed paper. Have all the cookies lined up and slightly separated before beginning the glaze.
  • For the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the confectioners' sugar, oil and water until well blended. Bring to a boil, stirring, over medium-high heat, for 30 to 45 seconds or just until the mixture is smooth and becomes translucent. Stir to recombine the glaze, then use immediately while it is still hot. (If the glaze is allowed to stand and cool, it may thicken and become sugary. In that case, add a teaspoon of hot water to thin it again, place over medium heat and continue stirring until the sugar dissolves. Immediately remove from the heat and use.).
  • Using a pastry brush or a paper towel dipped in the glaze, brush the cookies until their tops are coated all over with an even layer, not too thick or too thin. Stir the glaze frequently to prevent it from separating. Let the glazed cookies cool completely, at least 1 hour; the glaze may become slightly sugary and flaky.

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Reviews

  1. a lot of work, and they were not soft, they were pretty crunchy, but very tasty.
     
  2. This is quite a cookie to take on, but it was well worth the effort! It was by far the tastiest gingerbread boy I have ever had. I also used this recipe for my gingerbread house (just cooked a bit longer) I used fresh ground cinnamon and ginger because I love fresh spices. I'm addicted and making them again!
     
  3. Wasn't sure about the amount of honey included on the ingredients list, but I figured it meant 1/2 cup of honey & an additional 1 tablespoon of honey! Anyway, that's what I used & the boys came out soft & chewy, as perdicted! A little time-consuming to make, but VERY TASTY, & worth the effort! [Made & reviewed for one of my adopted chefs in this Spring's PAC]
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

30 year professional chef; I have had the great fortune to work with and for some great culinary masters over the years. Former culinary school teacher; presently I work mainly with the elderly in retirement/ass't living facilities. Also, I've done almost everything in restaurants that can be done and there's no great challenge there anymore for me-but taking what can be thought of as mundane food and making something great out of it is a worthy enough cause for me to get outta bed everyday! I know I don't have many recipes posted, but except for baking I don't have recipes...I was taught to cook by technique, not recipe. Most of my baking recipes would be pretty similar to others done here, so I don't add many. I do enjoy coming on the site and lending some advice when I can, though.
 
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