Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Springerle rolling pin or cookie molds
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Using a Springerle rolling pin or cookie molds, press the dough to create the desired design.
9. Cut the cookies apart and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
10. Repeat with the remaining portions of dough.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch and lightly golden brown.
12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour or overnight
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
Serving size:
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
Calories: 80
Total Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 20mg
Total Carbohydrates: 11g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
- If you don't have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup instead.
- You can use a mixture of ground spices instead of the individual spices listed.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger to the dough for extra ginger flavor.
- Dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Use different cookie molds to create different designs.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before beating it with the sugar.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Dust the rolling pin or cookie molds with flour to prevent sticking.
- Don't overbake the cookies, or they will become too hard.
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 refresh them by placing them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with confectioners' sugar. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint for color.
Garnishes:
Dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit on top.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with fresh fruit or a cheese plate.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for a longer time before rolling it out.
- If the cookies are too hard, reduce the baking time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and equipment before starting. Store the cookies properly to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Springerle cookies are a traditional German Christmas cookie that date back to the 14th century. They are typically made with anise flavoring, but this recipe uses gingerbread spices instead.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a spicy, sweet flavor with notes of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cookies on a festive platter with other holiday treats, or package them in a decorative tin for gift-giving.
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Region: German