Looking for a cookie recipe that will transport you straight to a cozy European winter wonderland? Look no further than this delicious and easy German gingerbread cookie recipe! These cookies are packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, as well as rich molasses and tangy orange zest. They’re the perfect treat for holiday parties, afternoon tea, or just snacking on during a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and orange zest to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out each disk of dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out your desired shapes with cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden and set.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or decorating with icing.
Nutritional Information:
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, with each cookie containing approximately:
- 120 calories
- 2g protein
- 21g carbohydrates
- 3g fat
- 1g fiber
- 13g sugar
Cooking Time:
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes total, including 1 hour of chilling time.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions:
These German gingerbread cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa for a cozy treat. They’re also great for decorating with royal icing or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Variations:
Feel free to mix up the spices in this recipe to your liking! You can add more or less of any of the spices listed, or even add in other warm spices like cardamom, allspice, or anise. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters to make these cookies even more fun and festive.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute honey or maple syrup instead. You can also use margarine or vegetable shortening in place of the butter, though the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Storage:
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.
Tips:
- Be sure to properly chill the dough before rolling it out, as this will help it hold its shape while baking.
- You can also roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- If you’re using cookie cutters with intricate designs, try dipping them in flour before cutting to help the dough release more easily.
Notes:
This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and cutting.
Can I use this recipe to make gingerbread houses?
Yes, this recipe works well for making gingerbread houses or other structures. Just be sure to add a little extra flour to the dough to make it sturdier.
Can I leave out the orange zest?
Yes, you can omit the orange zest if you prefer, though it does add a nice bright flavor to the cookies.
Overall, this German gingerbread cookie recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves warm and spicy flavors. The molasses and spices give these cookies a deep, rich flavor, while the orange zest adds a bright note to balance it all out. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just snacking on during a cozy evening in. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious and easy it can be to make your own homemade gingerbread cookies?