Scottish Baked Goods > Cookies > Gingerbread

Gingerbread Abernethy Biscuits Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg yolk

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer.

3. Add the molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to the mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

4. Add the flour to the mixing bowl and mix until a dough forms.

5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

6. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Beat the egg yolk in a small bowl and brush it over the biscuits.

8. Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

9. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes about 20 biscuits

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a stronger molasses flavor.
- You can use honey instead of molasses for a milder flavor.
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- You can add a cream cheese frosting to the biscuits for a sweeter treat.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar to ensure a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Use a cookie cutter with a sharp edge to ensure clean cuts.

Storage instructions:
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the biscuits, place them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the biscuits on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
- You can garnish the biscuits with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Pairings:
- Serve the biscuits with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- These biscuits are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- If the biscuits are too hard, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Food history:
- Abernethy biscuits were first made in Scotland in the early 19th century and were named after Dr. John Abernethy, a famous physician.

Flavor profiles:
- These biscuits have a warm and spicy flavor from the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, with a rich sweetness from the molasses.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve these biscuits as a snack or dessert.

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Region: British

Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Rich, Nutty, Caramelized