05 Mar 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 100 min
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp ginger
1 tsp cardamom
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 egg white
1 cup powdered sugar
Iced gingerbread stars are a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. With a warm blend of spices like ginger and cardamom, they not only taste amazing but will also fill your home with a comforting aroma. These cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate, making them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or as homemade gifts.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, and ground cardamom. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Honey and Egg White:
- Add the honey and the egg white to the creamed mixture, beating until well combined.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it's easier to handle.
6. Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become too hard. Allow to cool completely on wire racks before icing.
9. Prepare the Icing:
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with a small amount of water or milk, adding a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve a thick but pipeable consistency.
10. Decorate the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, transfer the icing to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a small corner snipped off. Decorate the stars with the icing as desired.
11. Set the Icing:
- Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container. This will usually take about 1 hour.
Tips:
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar and help ensure a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking to your baking sheet.
- Add extra flour as needed if your dough is too sticky to handle.
- For a smoother icing, sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with the egg white.
Enjoy the process of creating these wonderful iced gingerbread stars and savor the taste of the holiday season in each bite. Whether you enjoy them yourself or share them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring joy and festive cheer. Don't forget to get creative with your icing designs for a truly personalized touch!