Gingerbread Tree Cookies

Introduction

Every holiday season, my family looks forward to the rich aroma of gingerbread wafting through the house. This year, I decided to try a new twist on a classic recipe: Gingerbread Tree Cookies. Not only did they fill the kitchen with a delightful scent, but the fun of decorating them with royal icing and sprinkles brought everyone together. My kids loved cutting out the tree shapes and, of course, sneaking bites of the cookie dough along the way! These cookies have quickly become a cherished tradition, perfect for holiday gatherings or as festive gifts. Here’s how you can make these delightful treats at home!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Royal icing and sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Molasses and Egg:
   Mix in the molasses and the egg, ensuring everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt.
4. Form the Dough:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
5. Chill the Dough:
   Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps to keep the cookies from spreading while baking.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a little more flour on top.
8. Cut Out Cookies:
   Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will expand slightly while baking.
9. Bake the Cookies:
   Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are firm and slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as they can brown quickly.
10. Cool the Cookies:
    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate:
    Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and sprinkles as desired. Get creative with colors and designs!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 150 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)

How to Serve

• Festive Platter: Arrange the decorated cookies on a holiday-themed platter for a stunning centerpiece.
• Gift Bags: Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons for delightful holiday gifts.
• Cookie Exchange: Share these cookies at a cookie exchange or holiday gathering.
• Family Fun: Make decorating a family activity, letting everyone personalize their cookies.
• With Hot Drinks: Serve alongside hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy snack.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for maintaining the cookie shape while baking.
2. Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add more cinnamon or ginger for extra flavor.
3. Icing Consistency: For royal icing, make sure it’s the right consistency—thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread easily.
4. Use Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality molasses and spices for the best flavor in your cookies.
5. Test Baking: Bake a couple of cookies first to check the baking time, as ovens can vary.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Add Chocolate: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful chocolate-gingerbread combination.
• Spiced Rum Icing: For a festive twist, add a splash of spiced rum to the royal icing for adults-only cookies.
• Nut Variations: Add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for added crunch.
• Different Shapes: Use other cookie cutters to create various holiday shapes, not just trees!

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Parties: Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert table alongside other treats.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make gingerbread ice cream sandwiches filled with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
• Breakfast Treat: Pair with coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast treat during the holiday season.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the decorated cookies for an elegant touch.
• Themed Displays: Use these cookies as decorations on a dessert table or as part of a gingerbread house display.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
• Thawing: To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
   Yes, light brown sugar can be used, but it will result in a slightly milder flavor.
2. What if I don’t have molasses?
   You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will differ.
3. How long do the cookies stay fresh?
   When stored properly, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature.
4. Can I use powdered sugar for the icing?
   Yes, powdered sugar can be used to make a simple icing; just mix with a little water or milk until desired consistency is reached.
5. What if my dough is too sticky?
   If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour while rolling it out, or refrigerate it a bit longer.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling out.
7. Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
   Yes, they can be shipped, but make sure to pack them carefully to avoid breakage.
8. Can I use cookie cutters that are not tree-shaped?
   Definitely! Use any cookie cutters you like for fun shapes.
9. Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
   To make it vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg and use vegan butter.
10. What’s the best way to decorate the cookies?
    Use piping bags for detailed designs or simply spread the icing with a spatula for a more casual look.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Tree Cookies are a festive and fun treat that can easily become a holiday tradition in your home. With their warm spices and delightful decoration possibilities, they offer a perfect blend of creativity and deliciousness. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or gift them to friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and festive cheer. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create some sweet holiday memories together!

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