Do you want to add a touch of festive charm to your Christmas celebrations this year? Nothing says holiday spirit quite like the warm, spiced aroma of gingerbread baking in the oven. These Frosted Gingerbread Stars are not only delicious but also make for a delightful baking project to enjoy with your loved ones. Perfect for decorating the tree, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa on a chilly winter evening, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home.
**Frosted Gingerbread Stars**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 tsp ground ginger
– 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
9. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until set but not hard. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to frost and decorate them as desired. You can use royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to add a festive touch to your gingerbread stars.
11. Allow the frosting to set before storing the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
These Frosted Gingerbread Stars are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful addition to your holiday decorations. Whether you hang them on your tree, gift them to friends and family, or simply enjoy them with a steaming mug of cocoa, these cookies are sure to spread the joy of the season. So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and start baking these delicious treats to make this Christmas extra special. Happy baking!
