Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
8. While the cookies are baking, whisk together orange juice and powdered sugar to make the glaze.
9. Once the cookies are done, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie.
11. Let the glaze set for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 1 hour
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 140 per cookie
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a stronger molasses flavor.
- If you don't have orange juice, you can use lemon juice or milk instead.
- You can use honey instead of molasses for a milder flavor.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger to the dough for extra ginger flavor.
- Use different cookie cutters to make different shapes.
- Add food coloring to the glaze for a more festive look.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin.
- If the dough is too sticky, dust the surface with flour.
- Don't overbake the cookies or they will become hard and dry.
- Let the glaze set completely before storing the cookies.
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 (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the cookies on a festive platter or cookie jar.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out a piece of parchment paper in the shape of a gingerbread man and place it under the cookies.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or sprinkles on top of the glaze.
Pairings:
- Serve the cookies with hot cocoa or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the cookies with a side of fresh fruit or a cheese plate.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, refrigerate 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 around since the Middle Ages and were often shaped into religious figures.
Flavor profiles:
- The cookies have a warm, spicy flavor from the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, with a sweet orange glaze.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cookies as a dessert or as a snack.
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