How to Make Homemade Gingerbread Man Cookies

Several years ago when our daughter was about 13 years old, we started a holiday tradition together. About 2 weeks before Christmas, we would spend an afternoon together baking gingerbread flavored holiday goodies.

When it comes to holiday baking, it just wouldn't be complete without making some cute gingerbread man cookies. The follow recipe is pretty easy, although its not quick since you will be hand making your dough, rolling it out and then cutting out your cookie shapes.

Gingerbread Man Cookies Recipe

2 1/2 sticks butter, softened
2/3 cup molasses
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 1/2 cups all purpose-flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
4 cups confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar)
4 tablespoons milk

In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup softened butter, molasses, brown sugar and egg together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add in the flour, spices, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, salt, baking soda and then the baking powder. Beat mixture at low speed with an electric mixture until all ingredients are well combined. Place mixture in a large zipper close plastic bag and place into the refrigerator for 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with a silicone nonstick baking mat or lightly grease them. Split cookie dough into three equal sections. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured dough board until it measures approximately 1/4" thick. Use a purchased gingerbread man cookie cutter and cut out your shapes. Place shapes onto your baking sheets and bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Frosting Recipe

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the confectioner's sugar, milk, remaining 1/2 cup of butter and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer and beat until mixture is creamy and fluffy. If desired, you can tint the frosting with food color. Decorate your completely cooled gingerbread man cookies with frosting and set aside to dry.

Store your cookies in an airtight cookie canister. These cookies will keep for 2-3 weeks if properly stored.

Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. Every December, Shelly enjoys spending a few days doing holiday baking with her daughter and her mother. It is a family tradition that all 3 women enjoy doing together. You can visit Shelly online at http://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com or her recipe blog at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelly_Hill

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Healthy Chocolate Cookie

It seems too good to be true that there is the option of reaching out for a healthy chocolate cookie when one feels like a snack. In fact, it is difficult to associate the decadence of chocolate with something that claims to be healthy. And yet, there is a huge variety of healthy chocolate cookies available in the market today.

Each of us go through that time of day when we crave a snack. Market research shows that children and adults alike reach out for unhealthy snacks most of the time because they are unaware of the healthier options.

Almost everyone loves chocolates but we feel guilty each time we eat even a small piece because of the fat and calorie content. Not anymore. Healthy chocolate cookies are made from various ingredients that increase the health value of the cookies and yet preserve the delicious chocolaty flavor. There are cookies made of whole grains, whole wheat, bran flakes, oats, low fat, etc. The main thing to check is whether these cookies are able to maintain a rich taste of chocolate as well.

Research has shown that the cacao bean, from which chocolate is made, is not only rich in fiber but also has antioxidant properties. If correctly prepared, chocolate cookies can provide an individual's daily requirement of antioxidants and flavonoids. The use of natural sweeteners and fiber rich options adds to the health quotient of these cookies. The best part is that despite all these healthy changes, the cookie still is as satisfying and delicious as it was during childhood. After all, chocolate cookies are a childhood favorite for most of us and bring back fond memories of a time when we did not need to count calories.

The leading manufacturer of the healthy chocolate cookie is Xoçai. The XoçaiTM Powerhouse Cookie retains the decadent taste of rich chocolate while offering a healthy snack option that is full of the natural goodness of acai berry, natural sweeteners and whole wheat flour, whole cacao beans and cocoa butter. The XoçaiTM Powerhouse Cookie offers enough antioxidants to cover an individual's daily requirement. Visit http://ilovehealthychocolate.com for more information on the healthy chocolate cookie.

Looking for healthy chocolate cookies? Then look no further than Ilovehealthychocolate.com. Check us out online!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Quinlan_Murray

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How to Make No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

No Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies are a great easy cookie recipe that's perfect anytime of year, especially during the summer when it's too hot to turn on the oven. They stir together in minutes using a handful of common pantry ingredients.

This recipe for no bake cookies was part of my childhood and may have been part of yours too. It's an old-fashioned recipe that has been around for decades, goes by many different names, and has lots of variations.

Some recipes endure and these no bake oatmeal chocolate cookies are a perfect example. It's amazing how just reading a recipe can transport you back to the past.

Many versions of this recipe call for 2 cups of sugar, which I find to be too sweet. This version uses 1 1/2 cups instead.

Although this recipe for no bake cookies is quick and easy, a few helpful hints are in order. First, be sure to follow the directions exactly, boiling the mixture for 1 1/2 minutes. If you don't boil the sugar mixture long enough the cookies may not get firm and if you boil it too long they are apt to be grainy and dry. And I've had success making these with both quick cooking and old-fashioned oats, so you are safe using whichever is in your cupboard.

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups rolled oats, uncooked

Directions

Clear an area on your counter and line it with waxed paper for dropping the cookie mixture on. Alternatively you can line a cookie sheet with waxed paper or a silicone mat.

In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the cocoa, sugar, butter, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook for 1 1/2 minutes while stirring constantly. Make sure the mixture is boiling vigorously (with bubbles all over the surface) before beginning to count the time.

Remove pan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until creamy and well blended. Add the oats and stir until thoroughly combined.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the waxed paper or lined cookie sheet. I like to use a small cookie scoop when making drop cookies - it speeds up the process and gives the cookies a uniform appearance.

Let cool until firm, about 1 hour. You can speed this up by transferring the cookies to the refrigerator.

Makes about 3 dozen No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Variations:

• Use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for added crunch.
• Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut with the oats.
• Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts with the oats.
• Stir in 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins with the oats.
• To make larger flatter cookies, drop by tablespoons and then flatten slightly with the back of the spoon or your damp fingers.
• For cookie bars, press the mixture into a well greased 8-inch square pan. When firm, cut into desired size and shape bars.

Martha McKinnon is an avid home cook and cooking instructor who loves sharing everything she has learned through her years in the kitchen with all who are interested. Her website, http://www.best-ever-cookie-collection.com is dedicated to publishing the best cookie recipes and her blog, http://www.simple-nourished-living.com explores easy recipes, tips, and hints. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martha_McKinnon

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