How to Make Batman Themed Gingerbread Men

When you're baking a fresh batch of gingerbread men from the holidays, you can put a little twist on the classic creation by making them Batman and/or Joker gingerbread men. Most of the steps involved in creating these unique treats are performed after baking, but a few preliminaries are necessary to ensure that your edible figures come out looking like the Caped Crusader and the Clown Prince of Crime.

Things You'll Need

• White frosting Food coloring Gumdrops Jelly beans Sprinkles Knife Toothpick

Instructions

Batman

1. Cut the gingerbread men into their normal shape. Use a sharp knife or toothpick to pull out two sharp, spiky shapes from the top of the head, to represent the ears on Batman's cowl.

2. Create three small spikes off each wrist and boot, also using the toothpick or knife. These small spikes represent Batman's armor, and will make the cookies more authentic.

3. Bake the gingerbread men according to your usual procedure. When they are done, you can begin the decorating process. Black food coloring will be ideal for Batman, but if you cannot find any, mix a number of colors to create a dark gray.

4. Apply the black or gray frosting to the entire surface of the cookie. Dip a toothpick in white frosting and use it to place two small white eyes on Batman's head. Add a section of white frosting his mouth as well.

5. Place a large yellow jellybean in the center of Batman's chest. This represents the bat insignia the character has worn on his costume at various times in his history.

6. Use a strip of yellow-colored frosting to create Batman's utility belt. Add in small pieces of a yellow jellybean to lend depth to the belt.

The Joker

1. Bake a batch of normal-shaped gingerbread men. Place them on top of the stove once they are done.

2. Place white frosting on the Joker's hands, neck and face. Keep the frosting pure white to represent the Joker's makeup.

3. Use two red sprinkles to make the Joker's mouth. They will perfectly convey his bright red lipstick.

4. Dab on two small black dots of frosting for the eyes. Use green-colored frosting for the Joker's hair. You can keep it long or short, because the character has featured both styles in his various incarnations.

5. Give the Joker cookie a light purple suit for its base. Decorate the suit with various sprinkles and use small gumdrops as the buttons. Use black frosting to create the Joker's shoes.