Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup molasses
Special Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and molasses until well blended.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
7. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
9. Allow to cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 135
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or vegetable shortening.
- Molasses: Can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for a unique flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
- Use a lightly floured rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Use different shaped cookie cutters for a variety of shapes.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Decorate the cookies with icing and sprinkles.
- Place the cookies on a platter and serve with a variety of dipping sauces.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkles
- Chopped nuts
- Icing
Pairings:
- Milk
- Hot chocolate
- Coffee
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, add a few tablespoons of molasses or honey to the dough.
- If the cookies are too soft, add a few tablespoons of flour to the dough.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using.
- Keep the dough chilled while rolling it out to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
Food History:
Gingerbread cookies have been popular in Europe since the 16th century. They were originally made with honey instead of molasses and were often decorated with intricate designs.
Flavor Profiles:
These cookies have a sweet and spicy flavor with hints of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a glass of cold milk.
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream.
- Serve as a dessert after a meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Aromatic, Ginger, Ginger-Flavored