Spiced Gingerbread Cookies with Mandarin Juice

These delightful gingerbread cookies are perfectly spiced and carry a subtle zestiness from the addition of fresh mandarin juice. A staple for the festive season, they're filled with warmth and spice, creating a cozy atmosphere in any home. The sweetness of dark brown sugar and golden syrup harmonizes beautifully with the aromatic gingerbread spices, making each bite a richly satisfying experience. The dough is soft and easy to work with, allowing you to cut out various shapes with ease. Baking these cookies is a joy that fills your kitchen with irresistible scents. Though traditionally enjoyed during holidays, they are a treat to indulge in anytime of the year. These cookies can be a fantastic activity to involve friends or family, making it a shared, joyful experience. For an extra special touch, consider adding a simple icing or pairing them with a warm beverage. The recipe is adaptable, allowing for substitutions based on personal preferences or dietary requirements. Enjoy these spiced cookies with friends, family, or as a personal treat during quiet, reflective moments.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 200 g margarine or butter
• 150 g dark brown sugar
• 50 g sugar
• 6 tbsp golden sugar syrup
• 2 tbsp dark sugar syrup
• 650 g flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp baking soda

Spices:

• 3 tsp gingerbread spices

Additional:

• 1 mandarin

Preparation Time

• Total time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. In a saucepan, gently melt the margarine or butter over low heat until completely liquefied.
2. Gradually add the dark brown sugar, sugar, golden syrup, and dark syrup to the melted butter, stirring continually.
3. Once combined, pour in the freshly squeezed juice of one mandarin, ensuring it is well mixed into the butter and syrup blend.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the gingerbread spices, allowing their flavors to infuse with the mixture.
5. Add half of the flour along with the baking soda, and mix thoroughly until a smooth consistency is achieved.
6. Crack the egg into the mixture and blend it in until fully incorporated.
7. Gradually add the remaining flour, using your hands to knead the dough into a smooth, even texture.
8. Let the dough cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, allowing it to firm up slightly.
9. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit).
10. Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
11. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into festive gingerbread designs.
12. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring the cookies are spaced adequately.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until they become golden brown around the edges.
14. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
15. For a decorative touch, consider glazing them with icing or dusting them with powdered sugar.
16. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
17. If desired, garnish each cookie with a small piece of dried mandarin for a citrusy accent.
18. These cookies pair excellently with warm drinks like spiced cider or hot chocolate.
19. For a unique twist, add a sprinkle of sea salt before baking to enhance the complex flavors.
20. Enjoy your creations in the company of loved ones or as a personal indulgence.

Tips

• Substitutions: Swap margarine for butter or a dairy-free alternative for vegan cookies.
• Enhancements: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey variation.
• Techniques: Refrigerate the dough for an extra hour for even firmer cookies.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
• Protein: 2 g
• Fats: 7 g
• Carbs: 20 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Replace the flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
• Vegan: Use a flaxseed egg and a plant-based margarine.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a warm beverage like chai tea or mulled wine.
• Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a lighter contrast.

Best Places

1. Tivoli Cafe - Known for its cozy atmosphere and delectable gingerbread cookies. Location: 123 Baker St, London, England.
2. Café Central - Offers a historical ambiance with a rich pastry selection. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
3. Maison Bertaux - A quaint spot famous for gingerbread and traditional French patisserie. Location: 28 Greek St, London, England.
4. Cafe Savoy - Renowned for its elegant pastries and authentic gingerbread. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
5. Conditori La Glace - A historic shop with superb gingerbread offerings. Location: Skoubogade 3, Copenhagen, Denmark.
6. Café Landtmann - Known for its Viennese charm and delightful desserts. Location: Universitätsring 4, Vienna, Austria.
7. Café Gerbeaud - Offers a luxurious setting with exquisite pastries. Location: Vörösmarty tér 7-8, Budapest, Hungary.
8. Pasticceria Marchesi - A Milanese staple for classic Italian pastries. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/A, Milan, Italy.
9. Demel - Offers exquisite, handcrafted gingerbread in a lavish interior. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
10. Konditorei und Kaffeehaus Krönner - Known for its authentic Bavarian delicacies including gingerbread. Location: Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Straße 13, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.