Introduction:
If you’re looking for a delightful Czech Republic Christmas baking recipe to bring some holiday cheer to your home, look no further than Perníkové Stromečky, which translates to Gingerbread Trees. These adorable gingerbread treats not only taste delicious but also make for charming decorations on your holiday dessert table. With warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, these gingerbread trees are perfect for cozying up your home during the festive season. Let’s get baking!
Perníkové Stromečky Gingerbread Trees
Ingredients:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– ½ tsp ground cloves
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– ½ cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tbsp milk
– Green food coloring
– Assorted sprinkles for decorating
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out tree shapes. Place the trees on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until set. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the icing. Add green food coloring to achieve your desired shade of green.
10. Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a piping bag or spoon to drizzle the green icing over the trees to create a garland effect. Add assorted sprinkles as ornaments.
11. Let the icing set before serving or packaging these delightful Perníkové Stromečky Gingerbread Trees as gifts.
Enjoy these festive gingerbread trees with a cup of hot cocoa or share them with loved ones during your holiday celebrations. These adorable treats are sure to spread joy and sweetness wherever they go!
Thank you for joining us in the kitchen for this delightful baking adventure. Happy baking and happy holidays!
