When I spent my first Chritmas with my boyfriend’s family, I was introduced to their gingerbread ornament tradition. Every family member had a gingerbread ornament that they decorated themselves and then signed. With these custom Christmas ornaments hung on the tree, the whole family was together, even when they couldn’t physically be together in Mannschoice, PA.
I liked this tradition so much, I’ve decided to share how to make a gingerbread ornament so others can start similar traditions or just have cute, gingerbread ornaments.
Step 1: Combine a gingerbread man recipe mix as usual, omitting any eggs suggested in the recipe. More water may be needed to compensate for the moisture lost from the egg.
Step 2: Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter to cut shapes you want for your gingerbread ornament.
Step 3: Use a straw to cut a hole in the top of the gingerbread ornament.
Step 4: Bake as directed. To get them harder, bake for 3-5 minutes longer.
Step 5: Place on a solid surface and allow to cool overnight. This will ensure the gingerbread ornament hardens as much as possible for easier decorating. You may need to use a toothpick to open the hole in the top of the ornament.
Step 6: Decorate your gingerbread ornament with colored markers. Make the gingerbread man a representation of yourself. I used a silver, permanent marker - because they have more shine - to create my lip ring and earrings.
Step 7: Allow markers to dry completely and coat the gingerbread ornament with clear lacquer.
Step 8: Thread a 6 inch ribbon through the hole at the top of the gingerbread ornament, tie it off and hang it on the Christmas tree.
Comments
What a wonderful Idea. My youngest feels a little lost this Holiday as it will be the first Christmas we can't go see Grandma and Grandpa.. this would be a great idea to bring them close together. They can both make one and send it to each other instead.
That's a great idea, Tracy. I never even thought of sending them across long distances. How sweet.
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