Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp freshly grated clementine zest
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed clementine juice
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the molasses, egg, vanilla extract, clementine zest, and clementine juice to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
Calories: 110
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 35mg
Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- If you don't have clementines, you can use oranges or tangerines instead.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- You can decorate the cookies with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before beating it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.
- Dust the cookie cutter with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
If the cookies become stale, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and garnish with clementine slices or fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
- Clementine slices
- Fresh herbs (such as mint or rosemary)
- Icing
- Sprinkles
Pairings:
- Hot cocoa
- Tea
- Coffee
- Milk
Suggested side dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Cheese platter
- Charcuterie board
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for an additional 30 minutes before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Gingerbread cookies have been a popular holiday treat for centuries, dating back to medieval Europe. The addition of clementine zest and juice adds a refreshing twist to this classic recipe.
Flavor profiles:
The cookies have a warm and spicy flavor from the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, balanced by the sweetness of the brown sugar and molasses. The clementine zest and juice add a bright and citrusy note.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cookies as a dessert or snack during the holiday season or as a special treat any time of year.
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