The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, and what better way to spread joy than through the art of baking? From traditional gingerbread cookies to decadent salted caramel treats, holiday baking is all about celebrating the flavors of the season
Salted Caramel Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packet
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup caramel chips (or soft caramel bits)
1/2 cup chopped dark or milk chocolate (optional)
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel chips and chopped chocolate (if using).
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of coarse sea salt on top of each dough ball.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your sweet and salty salted caramel cookies!
These cookies are the perfect combination of buttery, caramel goodness with a touch of salt to bring out the flavors.
Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
Royal icing or glaze for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters (gingerbread men, stars, etc.), and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate the cookies with royal icing or a simple glaze for a festive touch!
These gingerbread cookies are spiced just right, with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making them ideal for the holidays. Enjoy!