As the holiday season draws near, it’s the perfect time for delightful sweets. To ensure guilt-free indulgence, I’ve crafted a healthier version of cake using ingredients like jaggery, whole wheat, and a reduced amount of oil, supplemented with a touch of ghee.
During this festive time, the air is filled with warmth, joy, and the tantalizing scent of Christmas cookies. These beloved treats go beyond being mere baked goods; they embody the very essence of the season, invoking cherished memories while weaving new ones.
Far beyond being simply sweet confections, Christmas cookies serve as a link to shared traditions and the bonds within families. With each bite, they carry the essence of the season, sparking feelings of nostalgia and pure happiness
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Significance of Christmas Cookies
- Ingredients
- Recipe
- Method of preparation with pictures
- Watch Recipe video
- Storage and Freezing
- Addition and substitution
- Nutritional value
- FAQS
Significance of Christmas Cookies
Christmas cookies hold a special place in holiday celebrations worldwide. These delectable treats are homemade cookies baked and decorated specifically for the Christmas season. Their significance lies in their connection to traditions, spreading joy, and celebrating the festive spirit.
The tradition of baking cookies during Christmas originated in Medieval Europe. Initially, they were simple creations made from basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices. Over time, this practice evolved, becoming a cherished tradition in various countries, each adding its own unique touch to the cookies.
Countries like Germany and the Netherlands played pivotal roles in shaping the tradition of Christmas cookies. Germans made intricate gingerbread houses and shaped cookies into various festive forms, while the Dutch baked spiced cookies known as Speculaas, often using wooden molds to create intricate designs.
In the United States, Christmas cookies gained popularity during the 1930s when various magazines started featuring recipes for these treats. Since then, baking Christmas cookies has become a cherished tradition in American households.
Overall, the significance of Christmas cookies lies in their ability to bring families together, evoke nostalgia, and spread the warmth and joy of the holiday season, regardless of cultural backgrounds or geographical locations.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour-2 cups
- Jaggery-1/2 cup
- Oil-1/4 cup
- Ghee/melted butter-1/4 cup
- Baking powder-1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon-1/2 teaspoon
- Nutmeg-1/4 teaspoon
- Salt-1/4 teaspoon
- Ginger powder-3/4 teaspoon
- Milk-3 tablespoon
- Vanilla essence-1 teaspoon
| Preparation time-15-20 minutes Refrigeration time-30 minutes Baking time -12 minutes Total time:1 hour 15 minutes |
Recipe
In a mixing bowl, combine ghee, oil, vanilla essence and jaggery thoroughly until they form a smooth mixture. Place a sieve, sift together baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg powder, salt, and ginger powder. Mix them well after sifting. Add 3 tablespoons of milk to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If needed, add a bit more milk to achieve the right consistency.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it on a baking sheet, then refrigerate it for 30 minutes. After chilling, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking tray. Place the remaining dough back in the fridge.
Bake the first set of cookies in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. While they bake, take out the chilled dough, roll it, cut out more shapes, and repeat the baking process until all the dough is used.
Once the cookies are baked and cooled, decorate them with melted chocolate to add your personal touch. Enjoy these delicious treats!
Method Of Preparation With Pictures
1.In a mixing bowl, combine ghee, oil, vanilla essence and jaggery thoroughly until they form a smooth mixture.
2.Place a sieve, sift together baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg powder, salt, and ginger powder.
3. Mix them well after sifting. Add 3 tablespoons of milk to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If needed, add a bit more milk to achieve the right consistency.
4.Shape the dough into a ball and place it on a baking sheet, then refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
5.After chilling, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
6.Place the cut-out cookies on a baking tray. Place the remaining dough back in the fridge. Bake the first set of cookies in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. While they bake, take out the chilled dough, roll it, cut out more shapes, and repeat the baking process until all the dough is used.
7.Once the cookies are baked and cooled, decorate them with melted chocolate to add your personal touch. Enjoy these delicious treats!
Watch Recipe Video
Storage and Freezing
Storage: Store cookies in airtight containers at room temperature, ensuring they’re fully cooled. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cookies in airtight containers or freezer bags, separated by parchment to preserve texture and flavor. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Addition and Substitution
Additions:
- Dried Fruits: Consider adding chopped dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a fruity touch.
- Nuts: Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans could add a delightful crunch to your cookies.
- Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter note, adding dark, milk, or white chocolate chips can complement the flavors.
Substitutions:
- Sugar Alternatives: Instead of jaggery, you could try using brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Butter/Ghee Alternatives: If looking for a healthier alternative, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with other spices like cloves or allspice for a unique flavor twist
- Almond Flour: Provides a nutty flavor and works well in gluten-free baking. It’s moisture absorbent, so adjust other ingredients accordingly.
- Coconut Flour: Gluten-free and highly absorbent, so a smaller amount is typically needed compared to regular flour. It lends a subtle coconut flavor.
- Oat Flour: Ground oats create a slightly denser texture but add a wholesome taste. It’s gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats.
Experimenting with flour alternatives might require adjustments in other ingredients like liquids or binding agents to achieve the desired texture and taste.
Nutritional value
The exact nutritional value of the cookies can vary based on specific ingredients and their quantities.
Approximate Nutritional Values per Serving (1 piece):(Assuming 30 pieces of cookies)
| Calories | 70-80 calories |
| Fat | 3-4 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 10-12 gram |
| Protein | 1-2 gram |
| Sugar | 3-4 grams |
| Cholesterol | 5-7 milligram |
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. For precise nutritional information, I recommend using a nutrition calculator or consulting with a registered dietitian. They can provide accurate values based on the exact ingredients and measurements you use in your recipe.
FAQs
1.How far in advance can I make Christmas cookies for gifting?
You can prepare these cookies ahead of time, up to 1-2 weeks before gifting. Store them properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
2.What’s the best way to store Christmas cookies for freshness?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
3.Can I freeze cookie dough to bake later?
Yes, you can! Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
4.Are there any gluten-free alternatives for Christmas cookies?
For a gluten-free version, swap the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure other ingredients are gluten-free, and adjust the consistency as needed.
5.How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Additionally, ensure your oven is preheated and avoid placing the cookies on warm baking sheets.
6.What are some creative ways to package Christmas cookies as gifts?
You can present these delightful cookies in decorative boxes, mason jars, or festive tins. Add a personal touch with ribbons, tags, or colorful wrapping paper for a charming gift presentation.
Sweet Sentiments of the Season: Celebrating with Christmas Cookies
Within each crumb of these homemade Christmas cookies resides the very spirit of the holiday season—joy, comfort, and treasured customs. When you relish these delightful treats and share them with those dear to you, it’s more than just savoring a cookie; it’s imparting the enchantment of the season. Let these cookies serve as a gentle reminder of the happiness found in life’s simple pleasures and the sheer delight in spreading warmth during this magical time of the year. And for those mindful of their well-being, indulge in these guilt-free, healthy cookies with your loved ones this festive season.
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