When you think about winter, you likely think about gingerbread! How could you not? It’s everywhere. Coffee shops bust out their lattes and muffins. We get loved ones together and compete for the best gingerbread houses. And of course, we can’t forget about those adorable gingerbread men, complete, of course, with the gumdrop buttons.
This year, however, we thought we’d introduce you to some unique recipes, ones that get you away from the cookie sheets and in front of your waffle irons, your wine glasses, and even your ice cream scoopers. There are actually dozens of ways to use this classic flavor, so make way, Christmas elves—this season is all about thinking outside the box with everyone’s favorite flavor!
Gingerbread Cocktails
What’s a Christmas party without glasses clinking? Believe it or not, gingerbread actually works surprisingly well in a cocktail (or a mocktail if you have rugrats present). You’ll need a few more ingredients than your average drink, but it’s nothing you wouldn’t have on deck for a round or two of Christmas cookies!
You’ll want to start with spiced rum and toss in traditional cookie ingredients. That means molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg. A bit of honey helps the whole thing go down nice and smooth, and you can even top it with candied ginger for a well-themed garnish. (Or one of those little gingerbread men you find in stores.)
If frozen cocktails are more your thing, you’re still in luck! You don’t need to stop at everyday cocktails; you can whip up a martini using just vanilla ice cream, a shot of spiced rum, and some crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish. Some people also like to add a little eggnog, and since ‘tis the season, you likely already have some chilling in your fridge.
Edible Gingerbread Cookie Dough
Who among us hasn’t scooped a bit of cookie dough into our mouths? Yes, yes, we know we’re technically not supposed to, and while we’d never endorse the risk of salmonella, we’re just trying to say we’ve all done it! Luckily, there’s a way to score cookie dough that not only tastes amazing, but won’t give us an upset stomach either.
Say hello to edible cookie dough! It’s an easy-peasy recipe that requires many of the same ingredients you’d find in finished cookies: vanilla extract, heavy cream, molasses, and ginger help build the base, while ground cloves and brown sugar tie the whole thing together! In just about ten minutes, you’ll have scrumptious scoops the whole family can enjoy!
Bear in mind that once you mix your ingredients, you’ll need to let them cool in the fridge before serving. It shouldn’t take too long before you’re able to handle them and press your ice cream scoop inside, though! You can serve it in bowls and add a pinch of sprinkles on top. White chocolate chips also work.
Gingerbread Waffles
Who said gingerbread was only for Christmas cookies? This beloved flavor works just as well at the breakfast table! Bust out your waffle iron and call the family down for their feast; a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, and molasses work wonders as a hearty morning option.
You’ll need a few things, like buttermilk, flour, and eggs, to get the job done, but this recipe thankfully doesn’t call for anything too exotic. A bit of brown sugar, salt, and baking powder also help your precious waffles keep their shape—and their flavor.
One of our favorite parts about this recipe is just how many toppings you can choose from! Sure, you can go the traditional maple syrup route, but the sweetness might also be overkill with so much molasses already present. Instead, whip up your own vanilla cream (with just a bit of butter, vanilla extract, sugar, and cream), sprinkle fresh berries on top, or keep it simple with a smattering of butter.
Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things This Season
As much as we love opening presents at Christmas, part of the season’s charm is testing our baking skills in the kitchen. You don’t need to be a world-class chef to put together something truly special for those you love, and in fact, it’s better when you recruit their help for a fun activity together!
It doesn't take more than a few ingredients to create the flavor we all know and love, and with just a teaspoon of each, you’d be surprised how many desserts you can impress people with. You can create cakes, breads, scones, cupcakes—you name it!
Of course, no one said you couldn’t venture into different kinds of cookies, either. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of making those fancy-schmancy men, you can always opt for crinkle cut, sandwich cookies, or even chocolate chip with a magical Christmas twist. Gingerbread works in all sorts of recipes; all you have to do is get creative.
KEEP ON READING
20 Food-Related Art Projects
