Aunt Marianne’s Gingerbread Cookies

🍪 Aunt Marianne’s Gingerbread Cookies 🍪

What is it?
Aunt Marianne’s Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful and traditional holiday treat. They are sweet, spicy, and filled with the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses. These cookies are typically cut into various shapes and decorated with icing or sprinkles.

History:
Gingerbread has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was initially created by the Greeks and later brought to Europe by Armenian monk Gregory of Nicopolis in the 10th century. In medieval Europe, gingerbread was often used as a form of art, and it was shaped into intricate designs. Gingerbread cookies, as we know them today, gained popularity in the 17th century, particularly in England and Germany, where they were often used to create elaborate gingerbread houses and figures.

Components:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps to Prepare:

1. Creaming: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add Molasses and Egg: Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.

3. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.

4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.

5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

7. Roll and Cut: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Use gingerbread cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

8. Bake: Place the cutout cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.

9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Decorate: Once the cookies are fully cooled, you can have fun decorating them with royal icing, colorful sprinkles, and your favorite holiday-themed designs.

Time Needed:

• Preparation: Approximately 15-20 minutes
• Chilling Time: At least 2 hours
• Baking: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Decorating: Varies based on your creativity

Aunt Marianne’s Gingerbread Cookies are not only delicious but also a wonderful holiday tradition. Enjoy making and sharing these festive treats with your loved ones! 🎄🍪😊

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Marianne’s Gingerbread Cookies:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximately 1 medium-sized cookie):

• Calories: 70
• Total Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
  • Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 1g

Health Information:

• Aunt Marianne’s Gingerbread Cookies, like many other holiday treats, are indulgent and should be enjoyed in moderation.
• These cookies are relatively low in calories, but they are moderately high in sugar.
• The ginger in the cookies may offer some health benefits. Ginger is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
• Molasses, a key ingredient, contains essential minerals like iron and calcium. However, it is still a high-calorie sweetener, so be mindful of your portion sizes.
• It’s important to be cautious with the icing and decorations, as they can significantly increase the sugar content of the cookies.
• If you have dietary restrictions or health concerns, consider making modifications to the recipe, such as using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar content.

Remember, while gingerbread cookies are a delightful holiday treat, it’s important to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet and not overindulge, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or health goals.🍪📊🏥