Are you ready for a fun and festive holiday treat that packs a little heat? Look no further than Gingerbread Gun MM2! This recipe combines classic gingerbread flavors with a kick of cayenne pepper for a unique twist on a beloved holiday treat. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or bringing to your next holiday party, Gingerbread Gun MM2 is a recipe that is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disc.
- Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using a gun-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Total fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Bake time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Equipment:
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Gun-shaped cookie cutter
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
Gingerbread Gun MM2 cookies are the perfect holiday treat to share with friends and family. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa for a delicious and festive snack. These cookies also make a great addition to any holiday cookie exchange or party.
Variations:
If you’re not a fan of spicy cookies, you can omit the cayenne pepper for a more traditional gingerbread flavor. You can also add in other spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, to customize the flavor to your liking. Additionally, you can decorate the cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or other festive decorations.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also use margarine or vegetable shortening in place of the butter. For a vegan version of this recipe, use a vegan butter substitute and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
Storage:
Gingerbread Gun MM2 cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Be sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling and cutting out the cookies. This will help the dough hold its shape and prevent spreading during baking.
- If the dough is too sticky, dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour.
- Don’t overbake the cookies – they should be lightly golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
- For a fun twist, you can use different shaped cookie cutters, such as stars or snowflakes.
Notes:
This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting out the cookies.
Can I use a different spice blend?
Yes, you can customize the spice blend to your liking. Just be sure to adjust the amounts accordingly.
Yes, you can use any cookie cutter you like. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the cookies.
Personal Thoughts:
I absolutely love this recipe! The combination of spicy cayenne pepper and sweet molasses is a match made in heaven. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season, and they always get rave reviews. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!