Gingerbread Cookies with Glaze

This delightful recipe for gingerbread cookies with glaze brings the warmth and aroma of holiday baking to your home. The cookies are tender and flavorful, complemented by a sweet and smooth glaze. The recipe calls for a harmonious blend of spices that ensure each bite is rich with nuanced taste. Enjoy the festive joy of baking these cookies which can be decorated creatively for added appeal. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. With a preparation time of just 60 minutes, these cookies are not only delicious but also convenient to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and satisfying. Serve them as a dessert, a snack, or as part of a festive platter. These gingerbread cookies are a seasonal favorite and will become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

Dough

• 115 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 310 g all-purpose flour
• 240 ml boiling water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3-4 tsp gingerbread spice mix
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 120 g dark muscovado sugar
• 250 ml malt extract
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger root
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Glaze

• 225 g powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp milk
• Decorations such as pistachios and dried strawberry pieces

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (347°F). Line a 20 cm x 30 cm baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Boil the water and pour it into a small bowl. Add the baking soda, stir well, and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, gingerbread spices, salt, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly.
4. In a separate bowl, cream the butter with the dark muscovado sugar until the mixture is fluffy.
5. Gradually add the malt extract, the baking soda mixture, and the grated ginger to the butter mixture. Mix well to combine.
6. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
7. Slowly beat in the eggs until you have a smooth and uniform dough.
8. Pour the dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Prepare the glaze while the cookies are baking, by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth.
11. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before glazing.
12. Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake.
13. Decorate with pistachios and dried strawberry pieces, or any toppings of your choice.
14. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the cake into individual cookies.
15. Transfer the cookies to a serving platter or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to the spice mix.
• If muscovado sugar is unavailable, replace it with dark brown sugar.
• Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes if it's too sticky to handle.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 150 per piece
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacer, and replace butter with a plant-based margarine.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Decorate with themed decorations for holiday festivities.

Best Places

• Cafe Central - Known for its historic charm and exquisite pastries. Location: 8 Herrengasse, Vienna, Austria.
• Buvette Gastrothèque - A cozy spot with a Parisian vibe known for its delicious small plates. Location: 42 Grove St, New York, USA.
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• Maison Bertaux - Oldest patisserie in London with an amazing selection of pastries. Location: 28 Greek Street, London, UK.
• Sacher Café - Famous for the original Sacher-Torte. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Café Procope - Historic café known for its cultural past. Location: 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, Paris, France.
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• Demel - Offers exquisite cakes and pastries in a regal setting. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Les Deux Magots - Classic Parisian café with a rich history. Location: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, Paris, France.
• Konditorei Oberlaa - Known for its remarkable éclairs. Location: Kärntnerring 6-8, Vienna, Austria.