We’re going to take the traditional Little Debbie Christmas Snacks and give them a sourdough twist! These soft gingerbread cookies are even more delicious than the store-bought version and much healthier!

If your kids are anything like mine, they see all of the limited time holiday treats on the shelves and want them. Little Debbie’s offerings are abundant! The Christmas tree brownie, the snowflake brownie, and we all know about the Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes. They’re like joy all packaged up in snack cake form. And I have to admit Little Debbie snacks kind of put me in the holiday spirit as well. Occasionally, I give in and buy a box but what I’ve found to be true in our family is that my children don’t actually enjoy them as much as they think they will.

I don’t know if you’ve ever flipped the box over and read through the ingredients but yuck! Corn syrup, soybean oil, red 40, tons of additives to preserve freshness, and don’t forget all of the artificial flavors. I cringe at the thought. They’re most likely not a snack you want to add to your winter lineup.

This inspired me to not only make my own but to make a superb gingerbread cookie without the junk and will SOURDOUGH. I’m sure you’re not surprised. These sweet treats are a perfect way to add a little pop of festive fun while also having the health benefits of fermented sourdough.

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What is sourdough fermentation?

In the context of sourdough bread, “ferment” refers to the process of a sourdough starter undergoes an extended period of natural fermentation. In this recipe, your dough will ferment in the refrigerator overnight. During this fermentation, the microorganisms in the starter consume the carbohydrates in the flour, producing carbon dioxide gas, which causes the bread dough to rise. Super science-y I know! This process not only leavens the bread but also gives it that sourdough taste.

Why is sourdough fermentation healthy?

That’s cool Autumn, but what makes fermentation healthy? Fermentation makes the bread or cookies in our case, easier to digest and makes it easier for our bodies to absorb the nutrients found in sourdough. The probiotics or beneficial bacteria involved in the fermentation process also contribute to gut health and we all know that the health of our gut affects the rest of the body and improves our immune system.

Ingredients for Soft Gingerbread Men

all-purpose flour
nutmeg
cinnamon
ground ginger
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, room temperature
cane sugar
molasses
eggs
vanilla extract
active sourdough starter

For the Icing

powdered sugar
vanilla
milk

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Recipe for Sourdough Gingerbread Men

In a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, or by using a hand mixer, blend the softened butter, cane sugar, and molasses until they are thoroughly mixed.
Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and introduce the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sourdough starter. Continue to mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, various spices, and salt.
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, gently folding them together using a spatula until a uniform dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an eco-friendly beeswax wrap and refrigerate the dough for 12 hours, preferably overnight.
When it’s time to bake, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
Take half of the dough and place it between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick using a rolling pin.
Shape with your cookie cutter and carefully place the cookies on the baking sheet.
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until they are firm along the edges.
Once they are done baking, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Gingerbread Man Icing

Place the powdered sugar into a medium-sized bowl.
Add the vanilla and milk and beat until smooth. You want the consistency to be of syrup.

These little cakes will be a huge hit this Christmas season! Instead of buying those prepackaged seasonal snack cake Little Debbie’s consider adding a homemade sourdough gingerbread man to your child’s lunch box or as a party treat.

Embracing the warm and comforting flavors of gingerbread during Christmas time can be a fun tradition. These sourdough gingerbread cookies, with their perfect balance of spices and the right blend of ginger, are an excellent addition to other seasonal holiday options. The snowy white icing not only adds a touch of sweetness but also complements the spiced gingerbread beautifully. As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, consider adding these cookies to your menu!

More Sourdough Recipes:

How To Establish a Sourdough Starter: FREE atep-by-step infographic

Tartine Sourdough Loaf Recipe

Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits

Sourdough Little Debbie Gingerbread Cookie with Icing

A healthier take on the traditional Little Debbie Christmas snack cakes.

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Cook Time 12

Chilling Time 12

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
3 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup active sourdough starter

For the Icing

1 ½ Cups Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Clear vanilla regular vanilla is fine but your icing won’t be as white
Splash of Milk

Instructions

For the Gingerbread Cookies

In a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, or by using a hand mixer, blend the softened butter, cane sugar, and molasses until they are thoroughly mixed.
Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and introduce the egg, vanilla extract, and sourdough starter. Continue to mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, various spices, and salt.
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, gently folding them together using a spatula until a uniform dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an eco-friendly beeswax wrap and refrigerate the dough for 12 hours, preferably overnight.
When it’s time to bake, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
Take half of the dough and place it between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick using a rolling pin.
Shape with your cookie cutter and carefully place the cookies on the baking sheet.
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until they are firm along the edges.
Once they are done baking, allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.