Immerse yourself in the world of Christmas flavors with our gingerbread cookie recipe. In our latest article, we take you through a culinary experience full of nostalgia and comforting aromas. Discover how to create these classic cookies from scratch and learn some helpful tips to make your creations even more irresistible. Don't miss this opportunity to add a touch of magic to your kitchen with these delicious cookies!
Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Prepare these classic gingerbread cookies with this easy and delicious recipe. With their perfect combination of spices and their crunchy outside and soft inside texture, these cookies are ideal to enjoy at any time of the year. Follow the simple steps and surprise your family and friends with the warm and comforting flavor of ginger.
30
Cookies20
minute10
minute100-120
kcalIngredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
Granulated sugar, to roll the cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Booking.
- In another large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, and continue beating until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is very sticky, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Using your hands, form walnut-sized balls of dough and then roll them in granulated sugar. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one for them to expand as they bake.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious gingerbread cookies! You can store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Tips
- Keep the ingredients at room temperature: Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature before you begin. This will help them mix more easily and give the dough a smoother texture.
- Do not exceed the amount of flour: Add the flour gradually and mix just until combined. Adding too much flour can result in cookies that are too hard.
- Refrigerate the dough if necessary: If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before forming into balls. This will make the process of making the cookies easier.
- Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Keep the size consistent: Try to make dough balls of the same size so that all the cookies bake evenly.
- Do not overbake the cookies: Gingerbread cookies tend to harden if cooked too long, so remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly browned.
- Let the cookies cool completely: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them maintain their proper shape and texture.
Gingerbread Cookies and health benefits
The health benefits of gingerbread cookies may vary depending on the specific ingredients used in the recipe and individual dietary preferences. Here are some possible benefits associated with certain common ingredients:
- Ginger Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress in the body.
- Molasses Molasses, a common ingredient in gingerbread cookies, is a natural source of iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are important nutrients for bone health and muscle function.
- Dairy/Gluten Free Ingredients: For people with lactose or gluten intolerance or allergies, dairy- and gluten-free gingerbread cookies can provide a safe and delicious option.
- Low in fat/carbohydrates: Depending on the recipe, gingerbread cookies may be low in fat or carbohydrates, making them suitable for people who follow a diet low in these nutrients for health or weight loss reasons.
- Vegan/vegetarian options: Vegan or vegetarian gingerbread cookies can be a great way to enjoy a delicious dessert without using animal products.
- No added sugar: Some gingerbread cookie recipes can be made without added sugar, using natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit, which makes them a healthier option for those looking to reduce their sugar consumption.
It is important to note that although gingerbread cookies may contain beneficial ingredients, they can also be high in calories, sugars, and saturated fats if consumed in excess. It is recommended to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
History of Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies have a long history dating back centuries. Although it is not known exactly when and where they originated, these cookies are believed to have their roots in ancient China, where ginger was used both in cooking and for medicinal purposes.
The arrival of ginger in Europe is attributed to the crusaders who returned from the Crusades, bringing with them new spices and foods from the Middle East and Asia. As trade with the East expanded during the Middle Ages, ginger became more accessible in Europe and was incorporated into various recipes, including cookies.
In the Middle Ages, European nuns baked gingerbread cookies for special occasions and religious holidays. These cookies were often molded into religious or decorative shapes and offered as gifts or consumed as part of celebrations.
During the 16th century, the popularity of gingerbread cookies spread throughout Europe, and they were made famous in England by Queen Elizabeth I, who ordered gingerbread cookies to be made in the shape of her important guests and gave them as gifts. .
In North America, gingerbread cookies became popular during colonial times, where they were adapted with local ingredients and became a staple in American cuisine.
In the 19th century, gingerbread cookies became strongly associated with Christmas festivities, especially in countries such as Germany, where decorative gingerbread cookies were baked and hung on Christmas trees as ornaments.
Today, gingerbread cookies remain popular around the world, especially during the Christmas season, and have become a symbol of tradition and celebration in many cultures. Their versatility in shapes, flavors and decorations makes them loved by people of all ages.
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Image credit: freepik
