Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Merry Christmas Eve!

I was not going to post today, but my little sister really wanted this recipe, so here it is! 

I usually do not like making gingerbread cookies.  Rolling out the dough a million times and then icing them does not really fit my quick cooking style.  But, they are my boyfriend's favorite cookies (and he usually does not like cookies or dessert- I know!?!).  And, this recipe is his mom's and I am so grateful for her sharing it with me.  So, even though I do not like how long they take to make, I do think it is worth it- especially during the holidays.  For the past three years, I used a wine bottle covered in saran wrap to roll out the cookies.  This year I told myself I am too old to be living like a college student and bought myself a beautiful marble rolling pin from target (link below and only $14.99).  What a difference it made!  I definitely recommend investing in a good rolling pin if you bake regularly.  I also recommend Christmas music while you make these.  The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg with Christmas music in the background really gets you into the holiday spirit!

SOFT GINGERBREAD RECIPE

1/2 cup softened butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup molassses

1 egg

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinammon

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1/2 cup buttermilk (I did not have this so I used 1/3 cup almond yogurt and 1/4 cup of water... I was praying this was going to work and it did! But, I still recommend just following the recipe) 

As for decorating, I used granulated brown sugar and don't judge, Wilton white cookie icing.  I do not know of any way to make icing healthy, so I just buy the pre-made one haha.  

Directions: 

1. Cream butter and add sugar slowly with mixer until fluffy

2. Add molasses, egg, and buttermilk and mix

3. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt and mix well

4. Add dry ingredients a little bit at a time and keep mixing

5. When all mixed, roll dough into a ball, cover in saran wrap and chill for an hour or two

6. Flour surface and roll dough into 1/4-1/2 inches (like the length of your nail)

7. Cut into shapes 

8. If you are decorating them with crystallized sugar, sprinkle cut out cookies with sugar.  You may need to press the sugar into the dough so that it stays.

9. Place cut out cookies on greased cookie sheet (I used parchment paper) about 2 inches apart

10. Bake on 375 for 10 minutes 

11. Let cool for 30 minutes and then you can decorate them with icing.  Try to leave them out for a few hours to let the icing set

12. Enjoy! 

only $14.99

https://www.target.com/p/marble-rolling-pin-with-wood-handles-threshold-153/-/A-51399827