Honey-Glazed Toruń Gingerbread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
- 1/4 cup honey for glaze

Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the honey, egg, and molasses and beat until combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the crystallized ginger.
7. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, heat the 1/4 cup honey until it is thin and runny.
10. Once the cookies are done, brush them with the glaze.
11. Let cool completely before serving.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 110
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 1g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: You can substitute vegan butter or margarine for the butter.
- Honey: You can substitute agave nectar or maple syrup for the honey.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Substitute ground cardamom for the ground cloves.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- The glaze will harden as it cools, so be sure to brush it on the cookies while they are still warm.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cookies on a platter with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped crystallized ginger.

Garnishes:
- Chopped crystallized ginger
- Drizzle of honey

Pairings:
- Hot tea
- Cold milk

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, add a little more honey to the dough.
- If the cookies spread too much, chill the dough before baking.

Food Safety Advice:
- Always use clean utensils and surfaces when preparing food.
- Keep raw ingredients separate from cooked ingredients.

Food History:
Gingerbread has been around since the Middle Ages, when it was used as a medicinal remedy. It was first made in the city of Toruń, Poland in the 13th century.

Flavor Profiles:
This gingerbread has a sweet, spicy flavor with hints of honey and molasses.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Related Categories

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Region: Polish

Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Rich, Aromatic, Caramelized