Shokoladnyy Pryanik Chocolate Gingerbread

The holiday season always brings to mind warm, comforting flavors that fill our homes with a sense of joy and coziness. One traditional Russian Christmas baking recipe that never fails to delight both young and old is the beloved “Shokoladnyy Pryanik” or Chocolate Gingerbread. This delightful treat combines the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate with the warm, comforting spices of gingerbread for a festive treat that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

**Shokoladnyy Pryanik Chocolate Gingerbread**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. In a separate large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

6. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

7. Once chilled, remove one disk from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.

8. Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out shapes from the dough and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

9. Gather any scraps of dough, reroll, and repeat the process until all the dough is used up.

10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Be careful not to overbake.

11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar, if desired, to add a festive touch.

Enjoy these delightful Shokoladnyy Pryanik Chocolate Gingerbread cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a taste of Russian Christmas tradition right in your own home. Share them with loved ones or package them up as gifts for a heartfelt and delicious holiday treat that is sure to spread joy this season. Happy baking!