The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, happiness, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats in the kitchen while bonding with cherished ones around! Amidst the festive decorations and lights, fireplaces and living rooms decked out with gifts and packages, lies the humble and classic gingerbread man that holds a special place in many hearts, the ultimate blend of tradition and deliciousness.
This Christmas, we invite you to join us in creating the perfect gingerbread cookies, not only full of the irresistible taste of the season, but also filled to the brim with precious memories as you knead, roll, and savour the joy of crafting and sharing these scrumptious treats with family, friends, and loved ones.
Why Gingerbread Cookies?
Sharing and savouring gingerbread man cookies during Christmas originated in medieval Europe, where ginger, honey and breadcrumbs were crafted into spiced bread to be enjoyed. As various recipes evolved, gingerbread has now become associated with festive seasons due to its luxurious flavours and warm spices, crafted into friendly human figures to add a touch of representation, appeal, and joy.
The act of decorating, creating, and sharing has also become a treasured holiday activity; spreading goodwill while extending family and community bonding, creating a wholesome and closely knitted space for all to enjoy during Christmas and the year-end holiday season.
Without further ado, it’s time to get kneading and rolling with our gingerbread man cookie recipe you can try out…
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Cookie Cutters
- 3 cups of All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon of Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of Salt
- 1 tablespoon of Ground Ginger
- 2 teaspoons pf Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of Ground Cloves
- 1/2 cup of Softened Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup of Packed Brown Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 3/4 cup of Molasses
- 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
Instructions:
1) Preheat the Oven
Get your baking adventure started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper, setting the perfect stage for your gingerbread delights.
2) Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, in a fresh bowl, whisk all your dry ingredients together – the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, as well as ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Combine them meticulously together to ensure that there is an even distribution of flavours in every bite.
3) Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy in consistency; this will ensure your gingerbread cookies are irresistibly ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ and full of goodness.
4) Add Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s the wet ingredients’ turn to get a mix. Beat in the egg, rich molasses, and vanilla extract together. Once well combined, this blend binds all the ingredients together, and infuses the dough with the essence of the holiday season!
5) Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the previously combined dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring consistently until a soft, aromatic dough begins to form. This step is crucial in transforming your simple mixture into the canvas for your gingerbread men soon to be crafted!
6) Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavours to meld as the dough firms up, making it simpler to shape in the next step.
7) Roll and Cut
Once done, roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. With your adorable gingerbread men cookie cutters (or cutters of any shape you fancy), begin bringing your gingerbread men to life, carving out shapes that will soon fill your kitchen and tummies!
8) Bake to Perfection
Place your gingerbread cutouts on the prepared baking sheet and let them bake in the oven for 8 – 10 minutes, or until the edges are a light shade of golden. Your tantalising cookies are right round the corner…
9) Cool and Decorate
Finally, allow your gingerbread men to cool on the sheets for a few minutes, before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, unleash your inner artist, and decorate them with icing, candies, sprinkles and more! Let the magic happen as each cookie gets crafted to a unique masterpiece, just the way you like it!
And there you have it – the recipe not just for gingerbread cookies, but for an enchanting Christmas full of memories and flavours you’re not going to forget. May these delightful treats not only fill your homes with the spirit of the season, but also make heartwarming gifts for family and friends; you are truly gifting a piece of holiday magic crafted with your very own hands!
Have fun baking, and we hope this Christmas season is full of sweetness, joy, and warmth. Noel Gifts wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!