Fill your home with the delightful aroma of ginger cookies, a perfect treat for the festive season. This simple recipe delivers a delightful mix of spices that bring the warm, comforting flavors of Christmas to your kitchen. These ginger cookies are not only delicious but also a joy to make, perfect for holiday baking with family and friends.
Ingredients (Makes 30 servings):
- Flour: 10.6 oz (300 g)
- Egg: 1 large
- Butter: 4.2 oz (120 g), softened
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
- Ground Ginger: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)
- Ground Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)
- Ground Star Anise: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)
- Sugar: 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Spice Mix:
Combine the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, star anise, and baking soda in a bowl. If needed, grind them together in a mortar and pestle until fine and well-mixed.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour and salt into the spice mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Create the Wet Mixture:
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, egg, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and light.
Combine Mixtures:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a consistent dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1.5 to 2 hours to firm up.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll and Cut Cookies:
Divide the chilled dough into three parts. Keep one part out for rolling and return the rest to the refrigerator.
On a floured surface or between sheets of parchment, roll the dough to a thin layer.
Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies and remove excess dough.
Bake:
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
Cool and Decorate:
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with icing or colored glazes as desired.
These ginger cookies are a fantastic way to add some homemade charm to your holiday festivities. Enjoy the process of baking and the even better experience of sharing these delicious treats with loved ones.
