Gingerbread

 

Gingerbread Recipe

Ingredients (Makes about 12-15 cookies):

• 250g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (1/2 cup) dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 120ml (1/2 cup) molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp water or milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
   • In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

2. Chill the Dough:

   • Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

3. Roll and Cut the Cookies:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into your desired shapes, such as gingerbread men or stars, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

4. Bake the Cookies:

   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

5. Decorate (Optional):

   • For the icing, mix the powdered sugar with water or milk to create a thick but spreadable consistency. Pipe or drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies as desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade gingerbread!