Desserts > European Desserts > Polish Desserts > Toruń Desserts

Traditional 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 butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup hot water

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and hot water. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well blended.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 2 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or shortening
- Brown sugar: Can be substituted with white sugar
- Molasses: Can be substituted with honey

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough

Tips and Tricks:
- For a softer cookie, bake for only 8 minutes
- For a crispier cookie, bake for 10 minutes

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Reheating Instructions:
Gingerbread cookies can be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Gingerbread cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles for a festive presentation.

Garnishes:
- Icing
- Sprinkles

Pairings:
- Hot cocoa
- Apple cider

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached
- If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until desired consistency is reached

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired
- Make sure all utensils and equipment are clean and sanitized

Food History:
Gingerbread has been a traditional treat in Toruń, Poland since the Middle Ages. It was originally made with honey instead of molasses.

Flavor Profiles:
Gingerbread has a sweet and spicy flavor from the combination of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.

Serving Suggestions:
Gingerbread cookies can be served as a snack or dessert. They can also be served with a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider.

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Region: Polish

Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Aromatic, Nutty, Cinnamon, Cinnamon-Y