Why Make This Recipe
Gingerbread is a classic treat loved by many, especially during the holiday season. It has a warm, spiced flavor that can bring comfort and joy to any gathering. Making gingerbread at home allows you to fill your kitchen with delightful scents and create delicious memories with family and friends. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with kids!
How to Make Gingerbread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
- Glaze (optional): powdered sugar and water
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, brown sugar, honey, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix until a dough forms and is well combined.
- Divide the dough into portions and roll each into logs.
- Place the logs on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until firm.
- Allow to cool slightly before icing with melted chocolate or glaze, and slice them into pieces.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious gingerbread!
How to Serve Gingerbread
Gingerbread is amazing on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of hot cocoa or coffee for a warm treat. If you want to make it extra special, drizzle some melted chocolate or a simple glaze over the top. It also looks beautiful when cut into festive shapes.
How to Store Gingerbread
To keep your gingerbread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last up to a week. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze the gingerbread pieces. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer.
Tips to Make Gingerbread
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it reaches a nice consistency.
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure even baking.
- Experiment with spices by adding nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor.
Variation
You can change things up by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to the dough. Some people also like to use molasses instead of honey for a different taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if needed, but it may change the texture slightly.
Can I make gingerbread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it for later use.
What can I do if my gingerbread is too hard?
If your gingerbread turns out harder than you’d like, you can serve it with a dipping sauce like hot chocolate or warm milk to soften it a bit while eating.