consciouseating
Better by the Dozen
Bake up Holiday Cheer with Delicious,
yet Healthy Cookies
by melissa williams
hether these yummy gingerbread people are decorated
W
in cheery holiday colors or served up plain, such tasty
treats are a perfect accompaniment to holiday parties
and chilly nights gathered around the fireplace. This year, indulge
family and friends with a batch of these tasty treats, updated by
using unrefined flours as well as natural sugars and spices. Add to
the fun of a joyous season by dunking these delicious cookies in
a glass of cold milk or a cup of warm tea and wait for your taste
buds to light up.
Gingerbread People
Makes 3 dozen / Preparation tip: Currants make good eyes, noses and buttons; place on cookies before bak-
ing. Or, decorate with all-natural colored sprinkles before baking.
1 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour ½ cup brown sugar
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 tsp ground ginger ½ cup molasses
2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 egg
½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg icing (optional)
½ tsp ground cloves 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp lemon or vanilla extract
¼ tsp baking soda 3-4 Tbsp water
¼ tsp salt
1. In a medium bowl, combine flours, spices, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and butter; beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly com-
bined and fluffy. Add molasses and egg and blend. Add flour mixture to molasses mixture; beat on low until
blended. Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic. Chill for 1-2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350°. On a floured board, roll dough into a ¼-inch-thick circle. Cut out cookies with a cutter.
Place one inch apart on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Decorate with candies and currants, if
desired. Bake for 7-8 minutes until firm. Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack
to cool completely.
4. To make icing, combine powdered sugar and lemon or vanilla extract. Add 3 tablespoons water and stir. If
necessary, add an additional tablespoon of water until a spreadable paste forms. Use a piping cloth (or zip-
top plastic bag with one corner snipped) to decorate cooled cookies.
Collier / Lee Counties
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