Muscovado Spelt Gingerbread Cookies

This delightful recipe blends the rich, caramel-like flavor of dark muscovado sugar with a medley of warming spices to create delicious gingerbread cookies with a spelt twist. While these cookies are a staple for holiday celebrations, they are irresistible any time of the year. Spelt flour adds a nutty flavor and a delicate texture, making these cookies extra special. The dough requires an overnight resting time in the refrigerator, allowing the spices to meld perfectly. With their inviting aroma and melt-in-the-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Muscovado sugar, a less refined variety, adds a depth of flavor not found in regular sugars. Whether you choose to decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain, these cookies are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful, they’re bound to charm everyone who tries them.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

130 g butter
150 g dark muscovado sugar
100 g sugar and corn syrup blend
280 g spelt wheat flour
1 egg

Spices

2 tablespoons gingerbread spice mix
1 teaspoon baking soda

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 24 hours (Includes overnight resting time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine the Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt the butter gently over low heat with the sugar and corn syrup blend, along with the dark muscovado sugar.
Dissolve the Sugars: Stir the mixture until the sugars are completely dissolved, creating a thick, homogenous syrup.
Add Initial Flour: Incorporate about 150 g of spelt flour into the warm syrup, stirring well to form a smooth paste.
Cool the Dough: Allow the dough mixture to cool until comfortable to handle.
Mix the Egg: Once the dough is sufficiently cooled, add one egg, mixing thoroughly until fully integrated.
Sift and Add Remaining Ingredients: Sift together the remaining spelt flour and baking soda, then gradually incorporate them into the dough until well combined.
Wrap the Dough: Form the dough into a disc and wrap it securely in baking parchment or plastic wrap.
Chill the Dough: Place the wrapped dough in the refrigerator and let it rest overnight or longer for best flavor development.
Heat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) as you prepare to bake.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to your desired thickness, approximately 5mm for standard cookies.
Cut the Cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough, transferring each piece to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Cookies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
Check for Doneness: The cookies should be firm to the touch and slightly golden at the edges when done.
Cool the Cookies: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the tray for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate if Desired: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing or enjoy them as is.
Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Enjoy with Friends and Family: Share these delightful cookies and spread the joy.
Make Multiple Batches: Double the batch for larger gatherings or to have some on hand for unexpected guests.
Experiment with Icing: Try different icing patterns or sugar decorations for festive flair.
Taste and Savor: Marvel at the rich flavors and delight in every bite.

Tips

Baking Substitutions: If you prefer, white spelt flour can be used instead of whole grain for a milder taste.
Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is not too sticky by adjusting the flour quantity if necessary.
Spice Blend: Create a homemade spice mix using cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg for a personalized touch.

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute spelt flour with a gluten-free flour blend that suits baking needs.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with plant-based margarine and the egg with a flaxseed mixture or aquafaba.

Serving Suggestions

Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or spiced apple cider.
Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with powdered sugar or finely crushed nuts for added texture.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
Protein: 2 g
Fats: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g

Best Places

Pâtisserie Pierre Hermé Paris - Known for exquisite pastries and delightful treats. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
Cafe Sacher Wien - Famous for its classic Viennese bakery offerings and a historic atmosphere. Location: Philharmoniker Str. 4, Vienna, Austria.
Dominique Ansel Bakery - Features innovative creations by the master pastry chef. Location: 189 Spring St, New York, USA.
Gerbeaud Café - A legendary café offering finely crafted confections. Location: Vörösmarty tér 7-8, Budapest, Hungary.
Peggy Porschen Cakes - A charming place with picturesque cakes and cookies. Location: 116 Ebury St, London, England.
La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac - Offers a modern take on traditional French treats. Location: 2 Rue de Chaillot, Paris, France.
Tartine Bakery - Known for fresh, mouth-watering pastries using local ingredients. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
Pastelería Escribà - A place with a rich history of artisanal sweet-making. Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 546, Barcelona, Spain.
Hans Ovando Pasteleria - Provides exquisite pastries with a contemporary touch. Location: Av. Providencia 2124, Santiago, Chile.
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar - Offers an indulgent range of chocolate and dessert delights. Location: 53 Martin Place, Sydney, Australia.

Prepare and enjoy these delightful muscovado spelt gingerbread cookies that capture the essence of aromatic spices and deep, caramelly sweetness. Perfect for cozy gatherings or personal indulgence!