Habibi Baked Goods' Gingerbread Cookies

Recipes

In search of a holiday project that's quick, smells delightful, and doubles as a tasty snack for those times when you need it most? Look no further. We asked Maor, founder of Habibi Baked Goods to share one of his recipes. He graciously shared a delightful Gingerbread cookie recipe with us, along with a charming anecdote. Give it a try, fall in love, and make it a staple in your holiday repertoire.

"In my neighborhood and the communities my family was a part of, everyone waited for a tin of treats from my mom around the holidays. Her baked goods were adored by bus drivers, the postwoman, colleagues, teachers, friends, family, and more important than anyone, her adoring children. It was a huge production, begun in mid-November, where my mom would spend countless hours baking and organizing the tins with names and orders, and with all us kids being expected to help out. I perhaps took to the seasonal labor more than my siblings, as I loved learning from my mom in the kitchen, not least because I always had a sweeter tooth than the rest of the family. My mom's Swedish pepparkakor took a front-and-center role in the pageant of colorfully ornate cookies, squares, tarts, cakes, and bonbons. Humble in form and color, her pepparkakor are bursting with flavor, and a melt-in-your-mouth softness that deviates from the traditional Swedish crisp cookie. My adaptation uses date syrup and a pinch of ground black cumin to make it a truly Habibi Baked Goods delight."

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season from my mom and me to you and yours!

- Maor

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Ingredients:

3/4 cup shortening or butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup high-quality, dark date syrup
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black cumin

Directions:

1. Cream shortening and white sugar
2. Beat in egg and date syrup
3. Combine all dry ingredients and mix into wet mixture
4. Shape into balls the size of your choosing
5. Roll in sugar and place on baking sheet with adequate space between
6. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.