Gingerbread cookies are a timeless holiday favorite, offering a cozy blend of spices and sweetness. Perfect for decorating or enjoying with a warm cup of tea, these cookies bring festive cheer to any kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Optional: orange zest, chopped nuts, or sugar crystals for topping
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter, honey (or maple syrup), coconut sugar, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices. Slowly stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a firm dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Optionally sprinkle with sugar or chopped nuts.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack completely before decorating.
- Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy plain.
Yields: Approximately 3–4 dozen, depending on size.
