National Gingerbread Day is a holiday celebrated on December 12th in the United States. This holiday is a chance to celebrate and enjoy gingerbread, a sweet and spicy baked good that is popular around the holidays.
Gingerbread is a type of cookie or cake that is flavored with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. It is often made in the form of gingerbread men, houses, or other decorative shapes. The dough is typically made with molasses or honey, which gives it a rich, dark color and a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Gingerbread is a popular holiday treat in many countries around the world, and is often associated with the winter holiday season.
There are many different ways to enjoy gingerbread on National Gingerbread Day. You can bake your own gingerbread cookies or cakes at home, or you can purchase them from a bakery or store. You can also visit a local holiday market or fair to try gingerbread treats from local vendors. Many bakeries and coffee shops also offer gingerbread-flavored drinks and desserts, such as gingerbread lattes and gingerbread cupcakes, around the holidays.
In addition to enjoying gingerbread treats, National Gingerbread Day is also a great opportunity to get creative and have some fun with gingerbread. You can decorate gingerbread cookies or houses with icing, sprinkles, and other edible decorations. You can also get creative with the shapes and sizes of your gingerbread creations, using cookie cutters or freehand designs to make unique and personalized gingerbread treats.
Gingerbread has a long and interesting history. The origins of gingerbread can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where ginger and other spices were used to flavor baked goods and other dishes. Gingerbread was particularly popular in medieval Europe, where it was often served at feasts and celebrations. In the 19th century, gingerbread houses became popular in Germany, and the tradition spread to other parts of the world. Today, gingerbread is a beloved holiday treat in many countries around the world.
So why not celebrate National Gingerbread Day by baking some gingerbread cookies or cakes, or by trying some gingerbread-flavored treats from a local bakery or coffee shop? Whether you prefer your gingerbread simple and traditional, or creative and decorative, there are endless ways to enjoy this delicious and festive holiday treat.
How to make gingerbread?
To make gingerbread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1/2 cup hot water
Here’s how to make gingerbread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until well combined. Beat in the egg and molasses until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the gingerbread for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the gingerbread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut the gingerbread into squares and serve. You can also decorate the gingerbread with icing or other toppings, if desired. Enjoy!
