Christmas comes closer with the bustle of gift buying, holiday plans, and the much anticipated Christmas feast. On many tables this season, traditional favorites share the stage with treats from around the world. Among them, gingerbread cookies have quietly become a festive favorite, bringing warmth, scent, and a touch of holiday magic to homes. They’re a charming option for celebrating with family and especially delightful for little helpers who love shaping and decorating. The aroma that fills the kitchen speaks for itself and lingers long after the cookies are gone.
Here is a simple, family friendly guide to making gingerbread cookies with children. It’s a chance to mix a few classic flavors with hands on baking fun and a dash of creativity that makes the season feel special.
Contents
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140 grams unsalted butter
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50 grams brown sugar
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75 grams honey
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons ground ginger
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Ground cinnamon to taste
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A pinch of coconut sugar
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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A pinch of salt
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300 grams pastry flour
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200 grams powdered sugar
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1 egg white
detailing
The best approach is to prepare the dough a day ahead, allowing it to rest so flavors develop. Start by melting the butter and cutting it into small cubes. The butter can be warmed in a microwave for about twenty seconds or heated gently in a saucepan over medium heat. To the melted butter, add the brown sugar and honey, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Sprinkle in the ground ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of coconut sugar, then let the mixture rest for about ten minutes to bloom the spices.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour and whisk in the baking soda and salt. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients along with the egg. Stir gradually, bringing everything together into a cohesive dough. Once formed, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate. A longer chill helps the dough hold its shape better when rolled out later.
When ready to bake, the dough may feel firm after chilling. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature, then knead gently by hand to ease the texture. Roll the dough between sheets of wax paper or on a lightly floured surface to a thin, even layer. The thinner the sheet, the crisper the cookies will be once baked.
Cut shapes with cookie cutters and transfer the shapes to a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should set but still remain tender in the center. After baking, let them cool and then decorate as desired. Decorating is a memorable activity for children and adds a personal touch that makes the treats feel even more special.