Are you looking for a fun and festive holiday treat to share with friends and family? Look no further than our Gingerbread Gift Box GPO! This delicious and adorable treat is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Follow our easy recipe below to create a unique and memorable gift for your loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Assorted candy for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a rectangular shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out the gingerbread gift box shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and decorate the gingerbread gift boxes as desired. Add candy decorations if desired.
- Let the icing dry completely before packaging in gift boxes.
Nutritional Information:
1 serving (1 cookie) – Calories: 120, Fat: 4.5g, Saturated Fat: 2.8g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 60mg, Carbohydrates: 19g, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 10g, Protein: 1.3g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes, Chill Time: 2 hours, Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread gift box cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Piping bag
Serving Suggestions:
These Gingerbread Gift Box GPOs make a perfect holiday gift for friends and family. Package them in festive gift boxes with ribbon and a tag for a thoughtful and delicious present. They also make a great addition to any holiday dessert spread or party.
Variations:
You can customize the decorations on your Gingerbread Gift Box GPOs to your liking. Use different colored icing and candies to make them unique and festive. You can also add a little sparkle by sprinkling edible glitter or sanding sugar on top of the icing.
Substitutions:
- You can use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar if you prefer.
- If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- You can use any type of candy or sprinkles for decorating, depending on your preference.
Storage:
Store the Gingerbread Gift Box GPOs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling and cutting to prevent the shapes from spreading too much while baking.
- Use a piping bag with a small tip for more precise decorating.
- Let the icing dry completely before packaging to prevent smudging.
Notes:
You can double or triple the recipe to make more Gingerbread Gift Box GPOs, depending on how many you need.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter if you prefer.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Personal Thoughts:
Overall, I absolutely love this Gingerbread Gift Box GPO recipe! It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and tastes delicious. I especially love how versatile it is – you can customize the decorations to match any occasion or holiday. This recipe is definitely a keeper and I can’t wait to make it again and again!
If you’re looking for a festive and delicious treat to share with your loved ones this holiday season, give our Gingerbread Gift Box GPO recipe a try. We guarantee it will be a hit!