This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it's a journey into the heartwarming world of holiday baking. Picture this: The scent of warm spices fills your kitchen, the soft glow of holiday lights casts a magical ambiance, and the satisfying clink of cookie cutters creates a rhythm of joyful anticipation. Every step is an opportunity to create a cherished memory, a delicious edible keepsake of the season. What better way to spread festive cheer than by gifting homemade goodies, especially something as charming as Frosted Fir Gingerbread?"
The recipe itself is surprisingly simple to follow; it's perfect for bakers of all levels, from seasoned pros to enthusiastic beginners. This year, I decided to add a personal touch, using a fir tree cookie cutter. It gives a touch of whimsical charm, perfect for the holiday season. I even added a few candied cranberries for extra visual appeal—a detail that unexpectedly elevates the experience. And don’t worry about the frosting; the recipe offers a foolproof method for creating a creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible frosting that perfectly complements the spicy gingerbread.
I remember my grandmother making gingerbread cookies every Christmas. It was always a special occasion, full of laughter and love. This recipe is my ode to her—a sweet and spicy memory captured in the delicate form of these exquisite cookies. The joy of baking is in the creating, but the joy of sharing is even sweeter. So, gather your family and friends, roll up your sleeves, and create a heartwarming holiday tradition that will last for years to come! What other seasonal memories do you have?
Required Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cooling rack
Frosted-Fir-Gingerbread
These Frosted Fir Gingerbread cookies are a delightful holiday treat, perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones. The recipe combines the warmth of gingerbread with the festive charm of fir tree shapes, creating a delightful edible keepsake for the Christmas season.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 24 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking—trust me, I've learned this the hard way!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Make sure those spices are well combined. Don't be shy!
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugars (brown and white) until light and fluffy. This takes a little elbow grease, but it's worth it. A stand mixer or hand mixer is your friend here!
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses. Make sure to mix well after adding each egg. Don't over-mix though!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough gingerbread—a common mistake!
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. If it's too sticky, add more flour. The goal is a nice, manageable dough.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. I used fir tree shapes for a festive touch, but get creative—stars, snowflakes, even gingerbread men work great!
- Place the cut-out gingerbread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly firm. Don't overbake!
- Let the gingerbread cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is crucial for frosting.
- Once the gingerbread is completely cool, prepare your frosting by beating together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add more powdered sugar if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Frost your gingerbread fir trees! Be creative; you can add some extra festive sprinkles or even a tiny bit of green food coloring to your frosting. Have fun with it!
- Once frosted, allow the gingerbread to set for a bit before serving. And enjoy your delicious, festive, and absolutely amazing fir gingerbread!
📝 Notes
- For best results, use good quality spices.
- The dough can be made ahead of time and chilled for up to 2 days.
- If you want to make a larger batch, simply double or triple the recipe.
- Feel free to get creative with your frosting! Add sprinkles, food coloring, or other decorations to personalize your cookies. They'll still taste amazing!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 25mg
