Best Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

When it comes to festive baking, nothing quite beats a classic gingerbread cookie. This recipe yields delightfully spiced, chewy biscuits that are perfect for decorating or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. To begin, gather the following ingredients:

• 350g plain flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 2 tbsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 100g salted butter
• 175g soft brown sugar
• 1 egg

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and spices.
3. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the sugar until smooth. Once melted, allow it to cool for a few minutes before whisking in the egg.
4. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in cling film and chill for at least an hour.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 5mm thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden.

Icing Recipe

For the perfect finishing touch, a simple royal icing can add charm and sweetness to your gingerbread creations. You will need:

• 1 egg white (or 1 tbsp of meringue powder)
• 250g icing sugar
• A few drops of lemon juice or water

1. If you're using fresh egg whites, whisk them in a bowl until frothy.
2. Sift the icing sugar and gradually add it to the egg whites, beating until the mixture holds stiff peaks. If using meringue powder, mix it with water according to the package instructions, then proceed as above.
3. Adjust the consistency by adding a touch of lemon juice or water. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but can be thinned for finer detailing.

Once your cookies are cool, let your creativity shine and decorate them with the royal icing. Enjoy your heartwarming gingerbread treats!

Easy Cookie Recipes for Kids: Fun in the Kitchen

Baking cookies can be a delightful activity for children, offering them a chance to get creative while learning essential kitchen skills. Here are a couple of simple recipes that will bring smiles and delicious aromas into your home.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 75g brown sugar
• 50g granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 200g plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• A pinch of salt
• 100g chocolate chips

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is a great moment for kids to practice their mixing skills!
3. Add the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing well until combined.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Using a spoon, dollop small amounts of dough onto the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each dollop.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Leave to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.

2. Fun Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 125g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 200g plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Beat the softened butter and sugar in a bowl until creamy and light. Kids can have fun making sure there are no lumps!
3. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking tray, flattening them slightly with the palm of your hand.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just golden around the edges. Once cool, kids can decorate them with icing or sprinkles for added fun!

These easy cookie recipes not only provide a sweet treat but also a lovely bonding experience, encouraging kids to enjoy the art of baking. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for some delicious fun!

The Original Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, a beloved classic, hails from the United States, but its popularity has crossed the Atlantic to delight British palates as well. Created in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, this recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients to produce a rich, buttery cookie studded with semi-sweet chocolate morsels.

To create these delightful treats, one begins by creaming together softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy, before incorporating flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. The star of the show, of course, is the chocolate chips, which are folded into the dough with care. The method is straightforward: dollops of the mixture are spooned onto a baking tray and baked until golden brown, achieving that perfect balance of crisp edges and a chewy centre.

Rustic and warm, these cookies have become a staple in many households, often enjoyed fresh from the oven with a glass of milk or as a sweet accompaniment to afternoon tea. The legacy of Ruth's creation endures, as each bite invokes nostalgia and comfort, reminding us of the simple joys that homemade treats can bring.