Salt and Pepper Gingerbread Cookies

Salt and Pepper Gingerbread Cookies

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

  1. 3 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup brown sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1 large egg
  5. 1/2 cup molasses
  6. 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  7. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  8. 1 teaspoon black pepper
  9. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  10. 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, black pepper, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm up.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) about 15 minutes before you plan to bake.
  8. Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
  9. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set but still soft.
  11. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or decorate with royal icing if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Tips

  1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother dough.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Uniform Shapes: Use cookie cutters of the same size to ensure even baking. This way, all your cookies will be perfectly golden and delicious!
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. 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

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