Dec32009

25 Day of Cookies: Warm Gingerbread Cookies

gingerbread

What would the holidays be without gingerbread? It’s my most favorite seasonal flavor, and I love when cooler weather rolls around so I have an excuse to make it (it just doesn’t seem to go well when it’s 120° out or I’d make it then too).

My favorite recipe comes from Gail Gand, talented pastry chef formerly employed by Food Network (which is how you know she’s talented — she no longer has a show there).

For some reason, I don’t have any gingerbread men cookie cutters (although I’ve got these on my wishlist, so maybe I’ll be able to make some next year). I make do with my cute little star cutters, though, which tend to work well for both Christmas cookies and Fourth of July cookies! I also have a little tip on how to get an extra clean-cut cookie.

Warm Gingerbread Cookies
from Gale Gand

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/4 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

~ In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and mix. Add the eggs and mix. Add the molasses and vanilla and mix.

~ Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves together. Working in batches and mixing after each addition until just combined, add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Shape the dough into a thick disk, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.

~ Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

~ Grease 1 or 2 cookie sheets. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out 1/4-inch thick and cut out with desired cookie cutters.

~ Bake until firm, 8 to 10 minutes, and let cool on the pan.

~ Decorate with frosting and candies, if desired.

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For a cookie cutting tip, click here: Read More