Run, run as fast as you can…..you can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread Man!!!

 

 

This is one of our favorite Christmas cookies to make around this time of year! Surely a soft center, crisp around the edges, wonderfully spiced and slightly sweetened with goodness.

 

 

Today I am sharing with you a recipe i have made many times and finally placing on my blog here. What are your favorite holiday cookies? Do tell!

 

 

 

This dough recipe is quite easy, but may be messy due to the stickiness. It’s important to chill in the refrigerator overnight or at least a few hours to set after once beaten all together. Plastic wrap is the best way to cover them and divide the dough in half and form a disc shape. Remember it’s easier to work with a smaller portion when rolling out and shaping. And do not be afraid to flour your surface, rolling pin, your hands and everything in between otherwise it’ll be quite sticky. These cookies do not take long to bake. Depending on the size, if smaller than 4 inches it will cook at about 8 minutes versus XXL cookie style it will bake more about 10-12 minutes.

 

 

 

Now it’s time to decorate to your hearts desires! It’s hard NOT to love these cookies. Packed full of flavor, super simple dough that comes together and decorating fun with the whole family. Below i had mentioned the healthy benefits of molasses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOLASSES HEALTH BENEFITS:

BlackStrap molasses is a byproduct of the process of refining of sugarcane, varied by the amount, method of extracting and age of the plant. BlackStrap molasses has many benefits and uses you may not realize.

 

EXCELLENT FOR HAIR

This contains copper and iron  in removing frizz of the hair and as well as antioxidants to fight against free radical activity with loss of hair grays. Apply for 15 minutes of a concoction of coconut milk (or favorite shampoo), warm water and spoonful of molasses for repairing the hair shaft.

 

TREATS ANEMIA

Due to the source of iron present in molasses it helps with fatigue. Also contains Folate which helps the production of red blood cells.

 

DIABETIC FRIENDLY

Slower absorption which helps in stabilizing sugar levels in the body.

 

BONE BOOSTER

Molasses contains both calcium and magnesium in guarding against osteoporosis. Adequate levels of magnesium are so important in preventing osteoporosis and asthma that can affect your blood and heart.

 

POTASSIUM PACKED

Bananas may be the king, but molasses is packed full of it. Try mixing it with baked beans, poultry, or any other meat for a boost. A spoonful alone of this stuff will give you a quick boost.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHALL WE MOVE ON TO THE RECIPE?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SERVES:  about 25 depending on size

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup BlackStrap molasses

1 egg, pasture raised

1 tsp vanilla (opt)

3 1/2 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tbsp cinnamon, ground

1 tbsp ginger, ground

1/2 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp cloves, ground

 

YOU WILL NEED:

Cookie cutters

Rolling pin

Large baking sheet

 

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Preheat the oven 350 degrees

In a medium bowl, cream the butter while adding the brown sugar gradually. Beat well until combined; about 2-3 minutes until fluffy and light. Add the molasses; beat on high until combined. Next beat in the egg and vanilla for about couple minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, seasonings and other spices to the mix until thoroughly combined. In thirds, on low speed, add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until it becomes a sticky texture. Divide the dough in half and place in plastic wrap forming a disc like shape; let chill in the refrigerator to set until needed for about a few hours or overnight.

Line two baking cookie sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Set aside.

When ready, remove one of the discs from the refrigerator and roll out onto a floured surface. do not be afraid to continuously flour your surface and utensils. Roll out about a 1/4 inch thick; cut into desired shape and place onto to cookie sheet. Repeat until complete.

Bake cookies for about 9-10 minutes depending on the size of the cookie cutter.

When finished, allow to cool for about about 5-8 minutes until set. Once completely cooled, decorate as you wish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cookie tips: You may make ahead and freeze until needed for up to 3 months wrapped tightly with plastic; let thaw overnight. This recipe will not be sturdy enough for a gingerbread house, but great for a cookie style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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