Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls

Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls Recipe | Delicious Holiday Treats

Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls are a fun and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These adorable cookies are a delicious combination of rich chocolate and warm gingerbread flavors, making them a favorite among both kids and adults.

History

Gingerbread has been a popular treat for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece and Egypt. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses has long been used in baking to create flavorful and aromatic cookies. The addition of chocolate to traditional gingerbread recipes adds a modern twist to this classic treat.

Ingredients

1 package of NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® semi-sweet chocolate Morsels
2.75 cups of flour
1 tsp of baking soda
0.5 tbsp of salt
0.5 tsp of ground ginger
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon
3 tbsp of butter or margarine
3 tbsp of sugar
0.5 cup of molasses
0.25 cup of water
16 oz (454 g) of prepared vanilla frosting*

How to prepare

1. Microwave 1.5 cups of chocolate morsels in a medium, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10 to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth; cool to room temperature.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Beat butter and sugar in a small mixer bowl until creamy; beat in molasses and melted chocolate. Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with water, beating until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
4. Roll half of the dough to a thickness of 0.25 inches on a floured surface with a floured rolling pin. Cut the dough into gingerbread boy and girl shapes using cookie cutters or a stencil. Place them on ungreased baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough.
5. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Place the remaining morsels in a heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH power for 30 to 45 seconds; knead. Microwave for 10 seconds; knead until smooth. Cut a tiny corner from the bag and squeeze to pipe the chocolate. Decorate with piped frosting or icing.
7. *Alternatively, use colored icing in tubes.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Use white chocolate or colored icing for decorating instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a fun twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out to ensure that it is firm enough to work with.

- Use cookie cutters or stencils to create fun shapes for your gingerbread boys and girls.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

- Get creative with your decorating by using colored icing or piping chocolate for added flair.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy and delicious treat.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough to an even thickness ensures that the cookies bake evenly.

- Decorating with piped chocolate or icing adds a decorative touch to the cookies.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute honey for molasses for a slightly different taste.

- Use dark chocolate morsels for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake the cookies. This makes it easy to have freshly baked cookies on hand whenever you want them.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls on a festive platter or cookie tray for a charming display. You can also package them in decorative bags or boxes to give as gifts.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls contain wheat and soy ingredients. They may also contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls are a sweet treat that is moderate in calories and fat. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and gingerbread in a fun and festive cookie. With a few simple ingredients and some creative decorating, you can create a batch of these adorable cookies to enjoy with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. I had always loved gingerbread cookies, but the addition of chocolate intrigued me. As soon as I saw the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to try it out.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies. Margaret had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she handed me a plate of chocolate gingerbread boys and girls.

"These are my latest creation," she said with a smile. "I think you'll love them."

I took a bite and was immediately hooked. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the warm spices of gingerbread was a match made in heaven. I knew I had to get the recipe from Margaret.

As we sat at her kitchen table sipping tea, Margaret shared the story behind the recipe. She had come across it in an old cookbook that had belonged to her grandmother. The recipe had been passed down through the generations and was a family favorite.

Margaret generously offered to teach me how to make the cookies. We spent the afternoon mixing, rolling, and cutting out the dough. As we chatted and laughed, I felt a sense of joy and connection to the past. It was a special moment that I would always cherish.

After the cookies were baked and cooled, Margaret showed me how to decorate them with icing and candy. The cookies turned out beautifully, with each one unique and full of character. I couldn't wait to share them with my family and friends.

From that day on, chocolate gingerbread boys and girls became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for every special occasion, from Christmas to birthdays to just because. Each time I made them, I thought of Margaret and the wonderful memories we had shared in her kitchen.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the recipe to suit my taste. I added a bit more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor and a touch of orange zest for a hint of citrus. I also experimented with different shapes and sizes, from miniature gingerbread men to giant gingerbread houses.

I continued to learn new recipes and techniques from friends, family, and cookbooks. Each one added to my culinary repertoire and brought me closer to my loved ones. Cooking became a way for me to show my love and care for others, a way to create memories and traditions that would last a lifetime.

As I grew older, I passed down the recipe for chocolate gingerbread boys and girls to my own grandchildren. I taught them how to measure ingredients, roll out dough, and decorate cookies with care. Watching them giggle and create their own masterpieces brought me immense joy and pride.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen surrounded by the sweet scent of baking cookies, I can't help but smile. The recipe for chocolate gingerbread boys and girls has become a part of my family's history, a thread that connects us across generations. It is a reminder of the love and laughter shared in the kitchen, of the memories made and cherished.

I am grateful for the gift of cooking and baking, for the recipes that have been passed down through the years. They are more than just instructions on a page – they are a legacy, a tradition, a story waiting to be told. And as long as I have my hands and my heart, I will continue to create and share these recipes with those I hold dear.