Gingerbread was sacred, it was allowed to be made only during Christmas and Easter. It is also a traditional holiday spiced cookie.
Christmas Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Take a large bowl, add softened ½ cup Butter,
½ cup Brown Sugar,
¼ cup Jaggery powder.
Mix until it is creamy.
Add 1 Tsp Vanilla extract,
1 Tsp of fresh Orange Zest, Mix well.
Add dry ingredients, 1 cup All-Purpose Flour,
1 cup Wheat,
1 Tsp Baking Powder,
½ Tsp Baking Soda,
¼ Tsp Ginger powder,
¼ Tsp Cinnamon powder,
⅛ Tsp ground cloves, Mix well until incorporated.
Add 3 + ½ Tbsp Warm Milk and mix until it comes together.
Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
Then roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness.
Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutter to cut the dough.
Bake in pre-heat the oven to 170*C for 10-12 minutes until the edges become golden brown.
Let them cool completely before trying to lift them off the tray.
Ice your cookies and let them set for 5-10 minutes.
Ready to serve our Christmas Special Gingerbread Cookies! Enjoy!
Why do we bake gingerbread cookies on Christmas?
Baking gingerbread cookies at Christmas is a popular holiday tradition in many cultures, and it has several historical and cultural reasons:
1. Medieval Origins: Gingerbread itself has a long history dating back to medieval Europe. It was initially made with breadcrumbs, honey, and ginger. The use of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves was significant because they were expensive and associated with the exotic flavors of the East. Gingerbread was often shaped into intricate molds and used as decorations for festive occasions.
2. Christmas Cookies: Gingerbread cookies became particularly associated with Christmas during the 16th century in England and Germany. Queen Elizabeth I is credited with creating the idea of decorating gingerbread cookies as gifts and ornaments during the holiday season.
3. Molasses and Spices: Over time, the use of molasses replaced honey in gingerbread recipes, making the cookies sweeter and richer. The combination of molasses and spices is characteristic of many traditional gingerbread cookie recipes, giving them their distinct flavor.
4. Cut-Out Shapes: Gingerbread dough can be rolled out and shaped into various festive forms, such as gingerbread men, houses, stars, and more. The shapes are often associated with Christmas and holiday themes.
5. Decorating Tradition: Part of the charm of gingerbread cookies is the opportunity to decorate them with colorful icing, candies, and other edible decorations. This tradition allows for creativity and makes them especially appealing to children.
6. Holiday Spirit: Baking gingerbread cookies is a festive activity that brings families and friends together during the holiday season. It’s an opportunity to bond, share traditions, and create lasting memories.
7. Storytelling: In some cultures, gingerbread cookies are used to tell stories. The famous fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” features a house made of gingerbread and candies, contributing to the association of gingerbread with magical and whimsical elements often associated with the Christmas season.
Overall, baking gingerbread cookies at Christmas is a cherished tradition that combines the rich history of gingerbread with the spirit of the holiday season. It brings people together, encourages creativity, and adds a delightful touch to festive celebrations.