Gingerbread

Delicious Spiced Cookies – a classic recipe for unforgettable moments

Who doesn’t love a freshly baked cookie that emanates enticing aromas of cinnamon and cloves? This spiced cookie recipe is not only simple but also full of memories and good cheer. Whether you make them for the holidays, for a gathering with friends, or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies will bring a smile to anyone's face. I will guide you through the steps to achieve a perfect result, along with some useful tips and variations to delight your senses.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Necessary ingredients:

- 850 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 200 ml oil
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon baking soda extinguished with vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ½ teaspoon clove powder
- A pinch of allspice

Preparing the dough:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and honey. These ingredients form the base of your dough. Mix well with a spatula or a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes homogeneous, without lumps.

2. Adding the baking soda and spices: Once you have a uniform mixture, add the baking soda extinguished with vinegar or lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. These spices will not only scent the dough but also give it a touch of originality. Mix again until everything is well integrated.

3. Forming the dough: Continue to add flour little by little until the dough becomes elastic and has a consistency similar to playdough. This is the moment when you can let your imagination run wild. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid a cookie that is too dry.

4. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out and shape.

Cutting and baking:

5. Preparing the work surface: On a clean countertop, without needing to use oil or flour, divide the dough into smaller pieces. Roll each piece into sheets about 4-5 mm thick. Don’t worry, as the dough will rise in the oven, reaching a thickness of about 2 cm.

6. Cutting shapes: Use special cookie cutters to cut out various shapes. The shapes can range from stars and Christmas trees to circles and hearts. Each shape will add a splash of cheer to the final product.

7. Baking: Place the cut shapes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough space between them. Preheat the oven to a moderate to high temperature (approximately 180 degrees Celsius) and bake the cookies for 15 minutes. Be careful, as they can burn easily! When the cookies are done, they should be firm to the touch but not hard.

Decorating and serving:

8. Cooling the cookies: After taking them out of the oven, let them cool completely on a cooling rack. This is the perfect time to have fun with decorating!

9. Decorating: You can use decorating pens or melted chocolate (white and dark) to add colorful details. A fun option is to use pieces of jelly or colored sprinkles to give them a festive touch. Last year, we had a real adventure painting the cookies with a brush, and it was worth every moment!

10. Serving: These cookies are delicious alongside a warm tea or aromatic coffee. You can also give them as holiday gifts, beautifully packaged in decorative boxes.

Nutritional benefits:

These spiced cookies are not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Here are some benefits:

- Flour: A source of complex carbohydrates that provide energy.
- Eggs: Contain high-quality proteins and are rich in vitamins A, D, and B12.
- Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidant properties.
- Spices: Cinnamon and cloves have anti-inflammatory effects and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I substitute oil with butter? Yes, you can replace the oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
2. How can I store the cookies? Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
3. Can I add chocolate to the dough? Absolutely! Add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
4. How can I make gluten-free cookies? You can use gluten-free flour, making sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

Recipe variations:

- Citrus cookies: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh taste.
- Nut cookies: Incorporate chopped nuts into the dough for a crunchy texture.
- White chocolate cookies: Replace some sugar with white chocolate for a sweet and creamy taste.

In the end, don’t forget that cooking is a form of art and creativity! Experiment, adapt the recipe to your taste, and most importantly, enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Each cookie you make is more than just a simple dessert; it’s an opportunity to create memories and share joy with loved ones. Enjoy!