Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies

Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies Recipe from Germany | Ingredients: butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, chocolate and more!

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies are a fun and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These adorable cookies are not only delicious, but they are also a great activity to do with kids. With a hint of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.

History

Gingerbread cookies have been a popular treat for centuries, with the first known recipe dating back to the 15th century in Germany. The tradition of making gingerbread cookies in the shape of teddy bears is a more modern twist on the classic recipe, adding a cute and whimsical touch to an already beloved treat.

Ingredients

1 cup butter or margarine
0.67 cup packed brown sugar
0.67 cup dark or light corn syrup
4 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
0.75 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp ground cloves
1 beaten egg
1.5 tsp vanilla
miniature chocolate pieces
royal icing for decorating

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
Cook and stir over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, and cloves.
Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
Add the flour mixture and beat until well mixed.
Divide the dough in half.
Cover and chill it for at least 2 hours or overnight.
To shape each bear, form one 1-inch ball, one 0.75-inch ball, six 0.5-inch balls, and five 0.25-inch balls from the dough.
On an ungreased cookie sheet, flatten the 1-inch ball to a thickness of 0.5 inch for the body.
Attach the 0.75-inch ball for the head and flatten it to 0.5 inch.
Attach the 0.5-inch balls for the arms, legs, and ears.
Arrange the remaining 0.25-inch balls on top of the ends of the arms and legs for the paws.
Use chocolate pieces for the eyes and navel.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until done.
Carefully remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool.
If desired, pipe on bow ties with Royal Icing.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
Use different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters to create a variety of teddy bear cookies.
Decorate the cookies with colored icing or sprinkles for a more festive look.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours before shaping the cookies. This will make it easier to work with and will help the cookies hold their shape.

- Use miniature chocolate pieces for the eyes and navel to add a fun and realistic touch to the teddy bear cookies.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can quickly become dry and hard. Keep an eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as they are done.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy and delicious treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies is to chill the dough before shaping and baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have dark or light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the dough for Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to bake the cookies, simply shape them and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies on a festive platter or cookie tray for a cute and whimsical display. You can also package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for a fun and edible gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies pair well with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies contain wheat and eggs. They may also contain traces of nuts and dairy.

Summary

Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies are a sweet treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content. They are a fun and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season.

Summary

Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies are a fun and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season. With a hint of warm spices and a cute teddy bear shape, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy and delicious treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known far and wide for her delicious baked goods.

As I entered her cozy kitchen, I saw her bustling about, her hands covered in flour as she rolled out dough for what appeared to be the most adorable cookies I had ever seen. They were in the shape of teddy bears, with little buttons made of chocolate and tiny smiles etched into their faces. My heart swelled with joy at the sight of these whimsical treats.

"Martha, what on earth are these delightful creations?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

She smiled warmly and replied, "Why, these are my famous Gingerbread Teddy Bear Cookies! They are a family recipe passed down through generations. Would you like to learn how to make them?"

I nodded eagerly, my curiosity piqued. Martha handed me a worn recipe card, yellowed with age and stained with remnants of past baking adventures. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I felt a surge of nostalgia wash over me. The scent of ginger and molasses filled the room, transporting me back to my own childhood.

I remembered my own grandmother, a formidable woman with a passion for cooking. She had taught me the art of baking from a young age, instilling in me a love for creating delicious treats from scratch. I could still hear her voice in my mind, guiding me through each step with patience and precision.

With Martha's guidance, I set to work mixing the ingredients together, the familiar rhythm of baking bringing me comfort and joy. The dough came together beautifully, the warm spices mingling with the rich molasses to create a fragrant masterpiece. I rolled it out on a floured surface and carefully cut out the shapes of teddy bears, each one unique and full of character.

As the cookies baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with their sweet aroma, Martha regaled me with stories of her own grandmother and the origins of the recipe. She spoke of long-ago Christmases spent baking together, of laughter and love shared over a simple batch of cookies. I felt a deep connection to her words, a shared bond formed through the act of creating something delicious and meaningful.

When the cookies were finally done, golden and crisp around the edges, I couldn't wait to taste them. I bit into one eagerly, savoring the spicy sweetness of the gingerbread and the rich depth of the molasses. They were everything I had hoped for and more, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

As I bid Martha farewell and returned home with a tin full of Teddy Bear Cookies, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I would make them for my grandchildren one day, passing down the love and memories that had been shared with me.

And so, as I sit here now, surrounded by the warm glow of my kitchen and the comforting scent of gingerbread, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe. It is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories and connections that transcend time and space.

I am proud to carry on the legacy of my grandmother and Martha, to share this recipe with others and keep the tradition alive. And as I take another bite of a Teddy Bear Cookie, I know that each one is a symbol of love, of friendship, and of the joy that comes from sharing something special with those we hold dear.