Ginger biscuits with cinnamon: traditions and recipes

Ginger biscuits with cinnamon and other spices are a delicious treat that can be turned into a holiday any day. And it is not necessary to wait for the New Year to cook it. In summer, maybe it will seem too spicy, but cool in the spring, rainy autumn and lingering winter will taste to all who like fragrant sweets. The tradition of preparing ginger biscuits with cinnamon appeared many centuries ago. As then, today the delicacy is used not only as a treat, but also as an ornament and original gifts.

From the depths of centuries

How did the ginger biscuit with cinnamon appear? Recipe, as they say, came about by accident. Centuries ago, a monk, working in the kitchen over Christmas treats, overturned a jar of spices into a dough. One can only guess what a storm of emotions he felt at the same time: in those days spices in value were almost equal to gold. Whatever it was, the cookies were cooked, tested and approved. It was so beautiful that it turned into a Christmas tradition. Inventors of delicacies are traditionally considered monks of foggy Albion.

Festive treats

Today gingerbread and cookies are cooked for Christmas in the whole of Europe. And in America, back in the 60s of the last century, a tradition began to exchange such a treat. At the end of the holiday, each of the guests had a box of cookies with a variety of additives and decorations.

Today, the delicacy always bakes shortly before Christmas in Catholic countries. At the pre-holiday fairs in Germany, France and England, you can find a variety of ginger biscuits. They decorate the tree, they give it to him and eat it with pleasure.

Past and present

Initially, ginger biscuits with cinnamon were round or oval. Figurine delicacy was only in the XIX century. Asterisks, flowers, different animals and little people cheered the eye no less than Christmas decorations. Especially then, and now, gingerbread houses that combined culinary craftsmanship and the master's imagination were valued.

Today you can find a variety of ginger biscuits with cinnamon. Recipe with a photo of intricate figures in each author has features. The amount of oil and the composition of the ingredients can vary. Often culinary experts increase or decrease the number of items in the list of spices used. However, cookies are often decorated with decor. Culinary specialists use glaze, mastic, edible beads, sugar powder and the result each time inspires new experiments.

Ginger biscuits with cinnamon: basic recipe

Preparation of the dough, as well as baking does not take much time. From spices is used ginger and cinnamon - two tablespoons (tea), as well as cloves, cardamom or black pepper - in a smaller amount - to taste.

The softened oil (200 g) is combined with the egg and sugar (200 g). The most convenient way to do this is to use a blender. Separately mix the flour (2 cups with a slide), spices and soda (0.5 teaspoon), and then add liquid to the dry ingredients. Quickly knead the dough, wrap it with a film and clean in the cold for at least 15 minutes. After cooling, it will become more convenient in operation.

The finished dough is rolled into a thin layer and the cookies are cut with the aid of molds. Bake it in preheated to 180º oven for about 15 minutes.

Spices in this recipe can be changed. Sometimes, for a more brown shade of dough, cocoa is added to it.

With honey

Ginger biscuits with honey and cinnamon are often found in a network called "Like in Ikea". Spices can be added to it in a variety of ways. Traditionally, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves are used. Honey not only gives the dough a special taste, but also makes it more convenient to work than ordinary sand.

Spices are mixed with soda (1 tsp) and flour (200 g). Separately, beat the sugar (100 g) with soft oil (100 g), and then add an egg and liquid honey (3 tsp) to them. Both mixtures are combined and the finished dough is sent to the refrigerator for two hours. Then, as in the previous recipe, it is thinly rolled out and cut out the figures. The cookie is cooked at 180º for about 10 minutes. It is important not to miss the moment when it gets reddened. The cookie can burn quickly.

Decoration

Ginger biscuits with cinnamon are good and immediately after baking. However, if you have patience, you can make it a little more interesting. For this, it is necessary to prepare the glaze. One protein is whipped into a strong foam. Then sugar powder is added to the spoon (200 grams are needed) and each time the mixture is whipped. Then pour the juice of half a lemon and whisk again. Glaze can be left white or give it a new color with the help of beet juice, cherry syrup or food colorings. The painted biscuits are dried in a cooled oven at 50 °. Painted gingerbread will be a delicious and unusual gift for loved ones.

The process of making ginger biscuits is a lot of fun. It can not be called difficult, and the flavors that arise during kneading dough and baking fill the house with comfort and a holiday. Perfectly such cookies will approach and to tea, and to coffee, and to milk. You can cook it not only for the New Year, but literally for any reason.