DECEMBER 3rd
” I just love this Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe, because it is so easy and tastes so amazing. The Cookies are still slightly soft in the middle with a crunchy outside. And they last a long time in a Cookie Jar if they were not eaten before, cause they are not going to last long.”
These Gingerbread Cookies have a unique story behind them, that is filled with a little adventurous travel. They are a combination of two Countries, combining the Tradition and Love for Christmas. How? The Cookie Recipe is very German, but the shape is not. Kiwis are home in New Zealand.
What kind of Souvenirs do you take from your Travels? It is interesting to say that sometimes there is more to a story than just a simple explanation. My love for Baking started a long time ago, but unknowingly I had brought back Cookie Cutters on more than one Occasion. Turns out the Moomin Cookie Cutters, to make the Moomin Cookies, was no the first set. It was 2015, mid-May, not really Christmas Time in New Zealand when these adorable Kiwi Cookie Cutters fell into my hands.
The Christmas Story behind these Kiwi Gingerbread Cookies:
Almost a three ago to this Day, give or take a few days, more like a Week I stepped foot onto New Zealand. This would be the second time that I had been in New Zealand. The previous time was 25 years ago. Not that I really remember a lot at the age of two. But somehow it was an exciting time because maybe, just maybe. My mind would trigger something and I would remember even a little part. But even after spending 8 Month in New Zealand, not a single memory came floating back, but I made a lot of New Memories.
However during these first days in Auckland, I did not see a lot, it was like being in any other city in the World. Only when I traveled by Bus to Paihia, and meet Alina did the New Zealand adventure really start. I saw my first Kiwi, sadly only on a Road sign, and got to appreciate this beautiful Country.
That to this day, a year ago, I knew so little about, which would change in a matter of 3 weeks with a Roadtrip from the North to the South.
Around May, I spend a couple of days in Wanaka, on the South Island of New Zealand. Autumn was coming to an end, and the beautiful Autumn in Wanaka weather changed to a winter wonderland within a Day. It was beautiful, and truly special because it only snows on the ground about three to four times a season in Wanaka. Therefore all the snow was already gone by noon. On this day to escape some of the cold and wet, I went into one of those Tourist Shops with lots of Souvenirs. Where I spotted this cute Kiwi Cookie Cutter.
I knew immediately that I need it, and would bake these Gingerbread Cookies. The previous years they where always Moose, Bear or Bambi shaped, but why not make it a little different. In order to make sure someone would bake them at Christmas, because who knew where I would be, I even sent the Cookie Cutter to my Mom and Sister, so they could bake them in case they had the desire.
But it turned out, life got in the way and even I had forgotten about these Cuties. After three years it was finally time to bake them. It always great to accomplish something, even if it yet so small, and it was wonderful to be reminded of a time being away for Christmas, but also combining these two memories.
Each year around Christmas time; the madness of baking Cookies begins. From those classical once, that can’t be forgotten on any Cookie platter, to new creations. But honestly who does not love to make Cookies and enjoy the Advents time. Something is truly magical about it.
What does a Kiwi, Ginger, and Bread have in Common? These beauties a must bake Christmas Cookie in any Household during Christmas, Moist and Crunchy with beautiful hints of the typical Christmas Spices. YUM!
- 375 g Sugar Beet Molasses
- 50 g Brown Sugar
- 100 g Butter or Margarine
- 2 tbsp Gingerbread Spice
- 500 g Flour
- 1 pack Baking Powder 15 g = 1 Pack
- 50 g Chocolate Sprinkles
- 30 g Sprinkles in Hues of Orange and Yellow
- 200 g Dark or Milk Chocolate depending on your preference, I like to mix them
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In a Pot mix, Sugar Beat Molasses, Brown Sugar and Butter (or Margarine) until the Sugar has melted, on low heat. Let the Mixture Cool Down to Room Temperature.
Mix the Gingerbread Spice under the COOLED Sugar Bear Molasses Mixture.
Combine the Flour and Baking Powder, and add the Sugar Bear Molasses Mixture. Knead the Mixture together until a solid dough is formed.
Cover the Dough with Plastic Wrap, and let it set in the Fridge at least 4 hours, best is to cool overnight.
After the Fridge Time, prepare to Baking Sheets with Baking Paper and preheat the oven to 180ºC Upper and Low heat or 160ºC Fan- bake.
Roll out the dough, about 0.7cm, on a lightly flour covered working area.
Take your Cookie Cutter -choose whatever shape you like, I Choose these beautiful Kiwis.
Cut out the Cookies and lay them on the Baking Sheets. Repeat the process until all the dough is gone.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes, in the preheated oven. And let them cool down.
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In order to decorate the Kiwis, I used Chocolate sprinkles to create an illusion of the Fur and colorful sprinkles in hues of yellow and orange for the beak. An eye for the Kiwi so it can see, these are the “Monster” eyes from Halloween that were almost found everywhere. But you can also create your own eyes.
Take two plates. One of sprinkling the Chocolate Sprinkles on the other the Yellow/Orange Sprinkles. Melt the Chocolate in a water bath/ bain marine.
Take a Baking Brush, and dip into the melted Chocolate. Spread the Chocolate over the Body of the Kiwi, not the foot or the beak. Then dip the chocolate covered area into the Sprinkles, when its face up, it should be covered in Sprinkles.
Repeat the Process for all the Kiwi Bodies.
Once you have all the “FUR” in place lets get to the Beak and Foot. Like before spread the area with Chocolate, and dip into the Yellow-Orange Sprinkles.
**Doing this process step by step allows you to determine more accurately where the sprinkles are going. Lastly take an eye paint a little Chocolate in the designated Location, and place.
You will see how these Kiwis are slowly coming to life.
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