Christmas Treats and Sweets by Chef Bari

Thanks for dropping by for Christmas Treats and Sweets. 

Welcome to Christmas Treats and Sweets with Chef Bari. Enjoy your Christmas Season with my cookies and treats recipes.

UPDATE: 2013 - Join Me on my Facebook Page : Christmas Cookbook for new recipes and great step by step photos.

Gingerbread Men or Women Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup(114grams) butter – room temp.
• ½ cup (110 grams) sugar
• 1 large egg or 2 small eggs
• 2/3cup(175ml) molasses



Method:

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and spices. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of your favourite mixer (or by hand), with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses and beat until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture beating until mixed.
3. Divide the dough in half, and wrap each half in saran wrap and refrigerate for at two hours or better yet - overnight. 
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside while you roll out the dough. I just use “Pan” spray instead of parchment paper – but – if you are not experience in baking use parchment paper.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a gingerbread cutter to cut out the cookies. 
6. With a metal long offset spatula (place in hot water first) lift the cut out cookies onto the baking sheet, placing the cookies about 1 inch (2.54 cm) apart. 
7. Make holes with at the top of cookies if you love to hang your cookies on the Christmas Tree or for placing a red or green ribbon when making it as a gift. Bake for about 8 - 12 minutes depending on the size of the cookies.
8. Check your cookies in ten minutes (depending on the size of your cut-outs – they may cook faster when smaller. Don’t overcook - the edges are just beginning to brown. 

Remove the cookies from the oven and let firm before moving – approximately five minutes to rest.

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