The smell of ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg wafting from the oven - for many people, that's the ultimate sign that the holidays have begun. Gingerbread cookies have been a beloved treat for centuries. It makes sense; the soft, spicy flavor and crunchy bite are irresistible. But did you know that these cookies actually have a rich history dating all the way back to the Middle Ages and that Queen Elizabeth I actually invented them?! Read all about it... + recipe of course!
When did gingerbread cookies originate?
The first forms of gingerbread were made in the Middle East as early as the 10th century. Around that time, European crusaders brought spices like ginger and cinnamon back home, and soon people in Europe began experimenting with these exotic flavors. By the 13th century, gingerbread-like cookies were already popular in countries like Germany and England.
However, it was not immediately the type of cookie we know today. Instead of crispy cookies, gingerbread was originally a type of cake, sometimes even with a honey layer. This variant was especially popular during medieval fairs and festivals, where it was sold as a treat. It was only later that gingerbread acquired the firm, crunchy texture that we now associate with these cookies.
The birth of the gingerbread man
The famous gingerbread man "No, not my buttons..." , the cookie in the shape of a human figure, was, according to history, first made at the court of Queen Elizabeth I of England. She had these cookies specially baked and decorated for important guests in the 16th century, whereby the cookies looked as much as possible like the visitors. Others soon started to copy this, and the gingerbread man became an indispensable figure during the holidays.
Since then, baking and decorating gingerbread cookies of all shapes and sizes has become an annual tradition, especially around Christmas. Nowadays, gingerbread cookies come in all shapes and sizes – from stars and Christmas trees to complete houses, with icing, candy and even lights. But the gingerbread man remains a real favorite!
Why do we bake gingerbread during the holidays?
Gingerbread cookies have a wintery, warm taste thanks to the spice mix, which makes them ideal for cold months. In addition, the use of spices such as ginger, cinnamon and cloves was once associated with wealth and festivity, as these ingredients were once very expensive. Baking gingerbread became a luxurious treat that belonged to special occasions, such as Christmas.
The recipe for your own delicious gingerbread cookies
Want to get started making gingerbread cookies yourself? This recipe is easy, and perfect to do with friends or family. The best part of it all, besides eating the dough (be careful with the raw ingredients)? Decorating! Decorate the cookies with icing and candy and really make it a work of art.
Ingredients
For about 20 gingerbread cookies, but of course this depends on the size of your molds.
- 300 g flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 100 g dark caster sugar
- 1 egg
- 150 ml molasses (or syrup as a substitute)
- Powdered sugar and water for the icing (possibly with food coloring)
- Tumtums, sprinkles and other decorations (optional)
Make sure you also have a large mixing bowl, baking tray and extra flour and baking paper.
Preparation method
Preparation : Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Mix dry ingredients : Sift the flour, baking soda, salt and all the spices into a large bowl and set aside.
Make wet mixture : Beat butter and sugar in another bowl until fluffy. Add egg and molasses and mix well.
Making the dough : Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and mix until a firm dough forms. Knead briefly with your hands, wrap the dough in foil and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Shaping and baking : Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to about half a centimeter thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on the baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned.
Decorating : Let the cookies cool completely before decorating. For the icing, mix powdered sugar with a few drops of water to form a thick, smooth paste. Add some food coloring if desired. Decorate the cookies with icing and let your creativity run wild!
Tips for perfectly decorated gingerbread cookies
- Let the dough rest : Chill the dough for at least half an hour, so that the cookies keep their shape better during baking.
- Use a piping bag : For precise lines, you can use a piping bag or plastic bag to apply the icing.
- Experiment with flavors : Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist, or dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a luxurious twist.
Enjoy your homemade gingerbread cookies
Whether you are planning a cozy baking afternoon with the family or just feel like making something delicious, gingerbread cookies bring atmosphere and warmth into your home. The nice thing about these cookies is that you can vary endlessly with shapes, flavors and decorations. So put on your Christmas apron, heat the oven, and start baking!
💛 Try this recipe, don't eat too much dough and let us know how your gingerbread cookies turned out!
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