Christmas Ginger Spice Cookies

Introduction

History

Ginger spice cookies have been a popular Christmas treat for centuries. The combination of spices used in these cookies was originally brought to Europe from the Middle East during the Crusades. Over time, these spices became popular in European baking, especially during the holiday season. Gingerbread cookies, in particular, have a long history and are often associated with Christmas traditions.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and will help the cookies keep their shape.

- If you like a softer cookie, bake them for a shorter amount of time. For a crispier cookie, bake them a little longer.

- Decorate the cookies with royal icing for a festive touch. You can use piping bags to create intricate designs or simply drizzle the icing over the cookies for a more rustic look.

Serving Suggestions

These ginger spice cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat for Santa on Christmas Eve. They pair well with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk.

Cooking Techniques

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

- Decorating the cookies with royal icing can be done using piping bags or simply drizzling the icing over the cookies with a spoon.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have crisco, you can use butter as a substitute.

- If you don't have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the dough for these ginger spice cookies ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week before baking. This makes them a great option for busy holiday baking schedules.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. You can also package them in decorative tins or boxes to give as gifts.

Pairing Recommendations

These ginger spice cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or milk. They also go well with other holiday treats like peppermint bark or sugar cookies.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store these ginger spice cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these ginger spice cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these ginger spice cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these ginger spice cookies contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these ginger spice cookies contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These ginger spice cookies contain small amounts of iron and calcium.

Alergens

These ginger spice cookies contain wheat and eggs.

Summary

These ginger spice cookies are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a great option for those looking for a festive dessert that won't break the calorie bank.

Summary

Ginger spice cookies are a classic holiday treat that are perfect for Christmas time. These cookies are full of warm spices and are a delicious and festive dessert option for the holiday season. Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a cozy and comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a cold winter day, just a few weeks before Christmas. I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that belonged to my mother, searching for inspiration for the holiday baking season. As I flipped through the yellowed and slightly stained cards, my eyes landed on a small piece of paper tucked away in the corner of the box. It was a handwritten recipe for Christmas Ginger Spice Cookies.

I gently unfolded the paper and studied the ingredients and instructions carefully. The recipe was simple yet intriguing, with a combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that promised to fill the house with the cozy scent of Christmas. I could practically taste the sweet and spicy cookies just by reading the recipe.

I knew right away that I had to make these cookies. They sounded like the perfect treat to share with my family and friends during the holiday season. But as I started gathering the ingredients and preparing the dough, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe came from.

I called my mother and asked her if she knew anything about the origin of the recipe. She told me that it had been passed down through generations in our family, and that it was a favorite during the holidays. She also mentioned that the recipe had been given to her by a dear friend many years ago, who had learned it from her own grandmother.

As I rolled out the dough and cut out the cookies in festive shapes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the past. I imagined my great-grandmother baking these same cookies in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of family members gathered for the holidays. I felt like I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the ages, a link to my family's history and heritage.

As the cookies baked in the oven, their spicy aroma filled the kitchen, mingling with the scent of pine and cinnamon from the Christmas tree. When they emerged golden brown and fragrant, I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe. The cookies were crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.

I couldn't wait to share them with my family. When I presented the plate of Christmas Ginger Spice Cookies at our holiday gathering, everyone's eyes lit up with delight. They eagerly reached for the cookies, savoring each bite and exclaiming over the perfect blend of flavors.

As we sat around the table, enjoying the cookies and each other's company, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the recipe that had brought us together. It was more than just a sweet treat – it was a connection to our past, a reminder of the love and memories that we shared as a family.

From that day on, Christmas Ginger Spice Cookies became a staple in our holiday baking repertoire. I made them every year, passing down the recipe to my own children and grandchildren. And as we gathered in the kitchen, mixing dough and cutting out shapes, I would tell them the story of how I discovered the recipe and the generations of bakers who came before me.

The recipe for Christmas Ginger Spice Cookies may have come to me by chance, but it has become a cherished part of our family's Christmas traditions. It is a reminder of the love and legacy that we share, and a delicious way to celebrate the season with those we hold dear.

Categories

| Brown Sugar Recipes | Christmas Cookies | Cinnamon Recipes | Clove Recipes | Cut-out Cookie Recipes | Egg Recipes | Frosted Cookie Recipes | German Recipes | Ginger Recipes | Maple Syrup Recipes | Molasses Recipes | Nutmeg Recipes | Spice Cookie Recipes | Vanilla Extract Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |

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