Frosted Gingerbread Cookies

Frosted Gingerbread Cookies Recipe from Germany | Ingredients include sugar, butter, molasses, and more!

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Frosted gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that are perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. The addition of a sweet frosting and chocolate chips on top adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

History

Gingerbread has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece and Egypt. The recipe for gingerbread cookies as we know them today can be traced back to medieval Europe, where they were often shaped into intricate designs and used as decorations. Over time, gingerbread cookies became a popular holiday treat, especially during Christmas time.

Ingredients

0.5 cup sugar
0.5 cup softened butter
0.33 cup molasses
2.5 cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
0.75 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp salt

Frosting

16 oz (454 g) box powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
0.25 tsp salt
4 tbsp milk
8 oz (227 g) package miniature chocolate chips

How to prepare

In a large bowl, blend together the sugar and butter.
Add molasses, then fold in the sifted flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
On a lightly floured board, roll out the dough and cut with cookie cutters. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool thoroughly on a wire rack before decorating with frosting.
To make the frosting, combine half of the sugar, vanilla, salt, and 2 tbsp of milk. Mix well.
Add the remaining sugar and mix again.
Add as much of the remaining milk as needed to reach the desired consistency for spreading.
Spread the frosting on the cookies, then top with chocolate chips.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for extra flavor.
Use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a different twist.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it out. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

- Use cookie cutters in fun shapes like stars, trees, or gingerbread men for a festive touch.

- Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.

- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve frosted gingerbread cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or gift baskets.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy for the best texture.

- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.

- Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to the baking sheet to prevent them from losing their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for molasses.

- Margarine can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the dough for frosted gingerbread cookies ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange frosted gingerbread cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with colored sugar or edible glitter for a fun and festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Frosted gingerbread cookies pair well with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store frosted gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 1 month. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of frosted gingerbread cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of frosted gingerbread cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of frosted gingerbread cookies contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of frosted gingerbread cookies contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Gingerbread cookies contain small amounts of iron, calcium, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Frosted gingerbread cookies are a sweet treat that are relatively low in protein and high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Frosted gingerbread cookies are a delicious holiday treat that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. With warm spices, sweet frosting, and chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy them with a hot beverage for a cozy and festive treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Frosted Gingerbread Cookies. It was a chilly December afternoon, with snow softly falling outside my kitchen window. I had just finished baking a batch of sugar cookies when I remembered the old recipe card tucked away in the back of my recipe box. It had been given to me by my dear friend Clara many years ago, and I had never gotten around to trying it out.

As I pulled out the card and read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the warm spices and molasses that would soon fill my kitchen. I decided then and there that I would give it a try. After all, what better way to embrace the holiday season than with a batch of freshly baked gingerbread cookies?

The first step was to gather all the necessary ingredients. Flour, sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, salt, butter, and an egg. As I sifted the dry ingredients together, the fragrant spices mingled together in a warm, comforting aroma. I couldn't help but smile as I thought about the joy these cookies would bring to my family and friends.

Next came the wet ingredients. I melted the butter and mixed in the molasses, creating a rich, dark mixture that smelled divine. I slowly added in the egg, beating it until everything was well combined. Then came the fun part - mixing the wet and dry ingredients together to form a soft, sticky dough.

I rolled out the dough on a floured surface, using my favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Stars, trees, and snowflakes all took their place on the baking sheet, ready to be baked to perfection. As the cookies baked in the oven, the sweet scent of gingerbread filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that warmed my heart.

Once the cookies had cooled, it was time to add the finishing touch - the frosting. I whipped up a simple glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract. I carefully drizzled the glaze over each cookie, watching as it set into a shiny, sweet coating that added the perfect touch of sweetness.

As I took my first bite of a frosted gingerbread cookie, I was transported back in time to my childhood. I remembered the joy of baking with my own grandmother, learning the art of turning simple ingredients into delicious treats. I thought about all the memories I had created in my own kitchen, passing down recipes and traditions to my own children and grandchildren.

And as I sat there, savoring the spicy-sweet flavor of the gingerbread cookie, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own family's holiday traditions. Just like Clara had passed it on to me all those years ago, I would continue to share it with those I loved, creating new memories and spreading joy with each batch of Frosted Gingerbread Cookies.