European > Baked Goods > Cookies > Gingerbread

Gingerbread Empire Biscuits Recipe

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

Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- Empire biscuit cutter (or any round cookie cutter)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the molasses and egg to the mixture and beat until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

5. Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough portions to about 1/4 inch thickness.

8. Use an empire biscuit cutter (or any round cookie cutter) to cut out the biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.

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

11. Repeat with the remaining dough portion.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 biscuits

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 110
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 20mg
Total carbohydrate: 15g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dark corn syrup instead of molasses.
- If you don't have ground ginger, you can use fresh ginger (grated) or ginger paste.
- You can substitute the brown sugar with granulated sugar or coconut sugar.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the dough for added texture.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled biscuits for a festive touch.
- Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the dough for a fruity twist.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin.
- If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on the surface and on the dough before rolling it out.
- Don't overbake the biscuits as they will become too hard and lose their chewy texture.

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 preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Arrange the biscuits on a festive platter and dust them with powdered sugar.
- Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa or tea.

Garnishes:
- Dust the biscuits with cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.

Pairings:
- Serve the biscuits with a glass of milk or eggnog.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the biscuits with a side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- If the biscuits spread too much during baking, chill the dough for an additional 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling the dough.
- Store the biscuits in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale.

Food History:
- Gingerbread has been around since the Middle Ages and was traditionally made with honey and breadcrumbs.

Flavor Profiles:
- The ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in this recipe give the biscuits a warm and spicy flavor.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the biscuits as a dessert or snack during the holiday season.

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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Savory, Aromatic