Christmas tables are usually the same in every household in Lebanon; barbeque, salads, pastries, Buche de Noel, and so on. So, how can you stand out, and have something unique on your table?
Ginger Cookies!
To help you ladies out, I’m going to share with you the perfect way to get crunchy, tasty, and mouthwatering cookies that will highlight your baking strengths, and make people ask for more!
Ingredients:
- 3 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Things needed:
– Small bowl
-Large bowl
– Whisk
-Plastic bags/sheets
–Baking sheets
-Parchment papers
–Cookie cutters
–Decorating supplies
Directions
– In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
– In a large bowl (KitchenAid’s great for this) beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
– Add molasses, vanilla, and lemon zest and continue to mix until well blended.
– Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth.
– Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
– Preheat oven to 375 deg. Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
– (Dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but in this case, it should be refrigerated. Return to room temp before using.) Preheat oven to 375° (190 °C).
– Grease or line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
– Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface.Sprinkle flour over the dough and rolling pin.
-Roll dough to a scant 1/4-inch thick.
-Use additional flour to avoid sticking.
-Cut out cookies with desired cutter– the gingerbread man is our favorite of course.
-Space cookies 1 1/2-inches apart.
-Bake 1 sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes (the lower time will give you softer cookies– very good!).
-Remove cookie sheet from oven and allow the cookies to stand until the cookies are firm enough to move to a wire rack.
-After cookies are cool you may decorate them any way you like.
-I usually brush them with a powdered sugar glaze when I am in a hurry, but they look wonderful decorated with Royal icing
Bon Appetit!
Don’t forget to share your thoughts and pictures with us!
Source: www.Geniuskitchen.com