Today I Made Gingerbread Cookies.

It was messy and time consuming, but oh-so yummy!

I started with a recipe from an old magazine and totally tweaked it. They turned out potent!  They almost bit back!  Haha.  I didn't take any pictures of the finished product, so the stock photo will have to do.  Just imagine that the dough in the pictures is more of a dark chocolate color.


So, if you're looking for an intense gingerbread cookie - try this one on for size!

Makes about 6 dozen cookies. 

You'll need:

7 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
16 tablespoons Earth Balance Natural Spread
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
4 teaspoons ground ginger
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1.5 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon coarse salt
2 large eggs
1.5 cup of blackstrap molasses

1.  Sift flour (does anybody know if that it really necessary to do this step?), baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
2.  Mix Earth Balance Natural Spread and sugar for about 2 minutes; mix in spices and salt.
3.  Mix egg and molasses into wet ingredients, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl.
4.  Add flour mixture; mix on low speed unto combined.
5.  Divide dough in half, put into plastic bags, flatten, close and refrigerate 1 hour.
6.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
7.  On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick.
8.  Cut into shapes and then transfer to cookie sheet.
9.  Bake until cookies are set, about 8 minutes. 

For frosting (if you want it):

Combine Pacific Rice Drink, powdered sugar, and a tablespoon (or so) of Earth Balance Natural Spread until it looks and tastes right.  :)  Then decorate.

And in case you were wondering about the Earth Balance Natural Spread and the Pacific Rice Drink, here are some pictures so you know what you're looking for. 

I get the soy free spread for my kids' sake and it's dairy free too.  I love it and eat it as much as Ash.  It's not low fat, but neither is butter and since it's a plant fat, it's better for you.  The rice drink works in every recipe I've tried as a replacement for milk.  Ash has been drinking this stuff since she was 11 months.  To say she's addicted would be an understatement.  :D 

Have YOU made any Christmas cookies yet?