Gingerbread Snowflakes

Let’s begin today’s post by letting you know that I DID NOT MAKE THESE cookies (although I wish I had but….. I suck at icing things). You already know how much I love the gals at Baked with Joy. It’s such a treat to have someone else bake for you and I totally trust them with all my cake and cookie needs

Now, let’s talk about the fact that Joy Cantor (AKA BAKED with JOY) was recently on the Marilyn Denis show competing in a gingerbread showdown. I mean, come on. I knew before the show even started that she was going to win that competition (gingerbread) HANDS down.

I set up my PVR and watched with bated breath as the judges finally announced that the winner was……ta da!!!!…. JOY! How could she not win? She and her incredible cookie elves built an entire village out of gingerbread for god-sakes.

Can we talk about these cookies for a sec? Here’s what I love about ordering from Baked with Joy. I send them my inspo (sometimes including a colour swatch) and they nail it every single time. In one of my recent partnerships with HomeSense Canada, I envisioned a place setting with small gingerbread houses that guests could have as a “take home” treat. They constructed the perfect little ones and when I picked them up, I literally squealed with delight.

This time was no different. Just look at the beautiful icing work on these. And how cutsie are the little snowmen snowflakes? Eeeeeeeee!!!!!

Now, with most blogs I include a recipe, right? I couldn’t quite ask Joy to give up her secret gingerbread one so here you go. I’m giving you my favourite and it comes from one of my baking idols – Sally from Sally’s Baking Addiction. “Soft in the centres, crisp on the edges, perfectly spiced, molasses and brown sugar-sweetened holiday goodness”.

CLICK HERE for the RECIPE and get ready to rock and roll this fabulous dough.

Okay, so whether or not you actually like gingerbread is another story. My kids still want me to buy the ones at the local bakery in the shapes of Sesame Street characters. Keep in mind, these guys are 28, 30 and 32 years old and they expect me to buy all the same ones so there’s no fighting over who gets “Big Bird”.

Gingerbread is the kinda thing that makes people happy, no matter what age. You also have to make them every year because let’s face it, they are stinkin’ adorable.

Some tips for the perfect gingerbreads:

Use softened butter. It’s guaranteed to give you a soft and chewy dough.
The type of molasses you use can make a difference. For lighter coloured gingerbreads, use light Molasses, for darker coloured cookies you can use DARK molasses. Makes sense?
Spices are KEY. Use a combo of ground ginger, cinnamon and a teensie amount of cloves.
ALWAYS chill your dough at least 3 hours. DO NOT SKIP this step. It’s very important to have a firm dough so your gingerbreads hold their shape during the baking process.
Make your dough ahead of time. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 2 days!

These are so wonderful to give as gifts, use on your tablescapes or just make them to enjoy for YOU.