Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic treat! These Salt and Pepper Gingerbread Cookies are not your ordinary holiday cookies; they bring a surprising kick of flavor that will leave your guests guessing and craving more. With the warm spices of ginger and cinnamon combined with a hint of black pepper, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it's a festive gathering or a cozy night in. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a batch of 24 cookies that will not only impress but also satisfy your sweet tooth. Ready to embark on this delicious baking adventure? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, black pepper, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Then pour in the molasses and mix until smooth and well blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) about 15 minutes before you plan to bake.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set but still soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or decorate with royal icing if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to roll out.
- Flour Your Surface: When rolling out the dough, lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking, and keep some extra flour handy for your rolling pin.
- Uniform Shapes: Use cookie cutters of the same size to ensure even baking. This way, all your cookies will be perfectly golden and delicious!
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
- Decorate Wisely: For an extra festive touch, consider dusting with powdered sugar or decorating with royal icing. It adds a beautiful finish and enhances the flavor!
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can last up to a week, but we doubt they'll last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
