Welcome to a world of flavors with these delicious white chocolate gingerbread star cookies. A perfect blend of spice from the gingerbread and the sweetness of white chocolate, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Not only are they delightful to eat, but also a joy to make. So, roll up your sleeves and let's get baking these magical star shaped treats!
This recipe calls for a few special ingredients that might not be in your everyday pantry. Unsulphured molasses, for example, is a key ingredient that gives gingerbread its distinctive rich, dark flavor. It's usually available in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Similarly, white chocolate might not be a staple in your home, but it's easily found in the candy or baking section and provides a creamy sweetness to our gingerbread cookies.
Ingredients for White Chocolate Gingerbread Star Cookies
All-purpose flour: This is the base for our cookie dough. It gives structure to our cookies.
Ground ginger: This is what gives our cookies that warm gingerbread flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Another warm spice, cinnamon adds depth to the cookie's flavor profile.
Ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a bit of a spicy sweetness.
Ground cloves: Cloves give a spicy, aromatic flavor.
Baking powder: This helps our cookies rise.
Baking soda: Used to leaven and help brown the cookies.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of other ingredients.
Dark brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture.
Unsalted butter: Gives our cookies a rich, buttery taste.
Large egg yolk: Binds the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Gives a sweet, vanilla flavor.
Unsulphured molasses: Provides a rich, dark sweetness and color.
Milk: Adds moisture to the dough.
White chocolate: A sweet, creamy chocolate that complements the spicy gingerbread.
One reader, Darell Maldonado says:
These white chocolate gingerbread star cookies are a delightful holiday treat! The combination of warm spices and creamy white chocolate is simply divine. The cookies are easy to make and turned out perfectly soft and chewy. I highly recommend trying out this recipe for a festive and delicious addition to your holiday baking!
Essential Techniques for Making White Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
How to prepare the dough: Combine the dry ingredients and cream the sugar and butter together. Then mix in the egg yolk, vanilla, and molasses, adding milk as needed to bring the dough together.
How to roll out the dough: Divide the dough into two portions and roll each portion out evenly to just slightly over 1/4-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper.
How to cut the cookies: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut the chilled dough into star shapes.
How to melt the white chocolate: Place the white chocolate in a small microwave-safe mixing bowl and heat in the microwave on 50% power in 20-second increments, stirring well between intervals until melted and smooth.
How to drizzle or dip the cookies with white chocolate: Transfer the melted white chocolate to a resealable bag, cut a small tip from one corner, and drizzle it over the cookies. Alternatively, dip or spread the white chocolate over half of the cookie.
How to store the cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container once the white chocolate has set at room temperature.
How To Make White Chocolate Gingerbread Star Cookies
The spiced taste of Gingerbread makes it unique compared to other cookies. Well, for this gingerbread cookie recipe, we shape it into a cute little star.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupsall-purpose flour
- 1tbspground ginger
- 2tspground cinnamong
- ¼tspground nutmeg
- ¼tspground cloves
- ¾tspbaking powder
- ½tspbaking soda
- ½tspsalt
- ¾cuppacked dark brown sugar
- 10tbspunsalted butter,softened
- 1largeegg yolk
- 1 ½tspvanilla extract
- ½cupunsulphured molasses
- 1-2tbspmilk
- 4-10ozwhite chocolatechopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda and salt for 20 seconds, set aside.
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In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together sugar and butter until well combined, occasionally stopping and scraping down bowl.
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Mix in egg yolk and vanilla then mix in molasses and 1 Tbsp milk.
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With mixer set on low speed slowly add in dry ingredients and mix until combined, while adding additional 1 Tbsp milk as needed just to bring dough together.
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Divide dough into two equal portions then roll each portion out evenly just slightly over 1/4-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper (roll into more of a oblong or rectangular shape so it will fit on a cookie sheet).
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Chill on a cookie sheet in freezer 20 minutes (or about 1 hour or fridge), or until firm then cut into star shapes using cookie cutter.
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Remove from paper using a thin metal spatula or pastry scraper if needed then transfer to a cookie sheet, spacing cookies about 1-inch apart. Bake in preheated oven 8 minutes or until slightly set (they should leave a slight indentation when touched).
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Repeat process with remaining cookies. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cookies are cool, place white chocolate in a small microwave safe mixing bowl. Heat in microwave on 50% power in 20 second increments stirring well between intervals until melted and smooth.
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If drizzling white chocolate over cookies transfer to a resealable bag, cut one small tip from one corner and drizzle over cookies. Or dip or spread white chocolate over half of the cookie.
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Sprinkle with white sparkling sugar sprinkles and let chocolate set at room temperature. Store cookies in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1947.57kcal
- Fat: 6.76g
- Saturated Fat: 3.97g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.63g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.51g
- Carbohydrates: 483.69g
- Fiber: 1.55g
- Sugar: 468.20g
- Protein: 2.20g
- Cholesterol: 17.17mg
- Sodium: 1819.18mg
- Calcium: 1242.00mg
- Potassium: 5290.73mg
- Iron: 18.95mg
- Vitamin A: 35.39µg
- Vitamin C: 0.09mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect White Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
When working with white chocolate, it's important to melt it slowly and gently to prevent it from seizing or burning. Using a microwave at 50% power and stirring frequently ensures the chocolate melts evenly without overheating. If the chocolate does seize, try adding a small amount of vegetable oil or clarified butter to smooth it out.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Cookie Recipe
Plan ahead: Make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This will save time on the day you want to bake the cookies.
Use pre-made shapes: Instead of rolling out the dough and cutting it into shapes, consider using pre-made cookie cutters to save time and effort.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of dough and freeze half for later use. This way, you can have cookie dough ready to go whenever you need it.
Organize ingredients: Before you start, gather all the ingredients and tools you need. This will help streamline the baking process and save time searching for items.
Substitute Ingredients For White Chocolate Gingerbread Star Cookies Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to the cookies.
ground ginger - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon can provide a warm and slightly sweet flavor similar to ginger, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can offer a combination of flavors similar to cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, making it a versatile substitute in this recipe.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground mace: Mace, a spice derived from the same plant as nutmeg, can provide a similar warm and slightly sweet flavor, making it a suitable substitute.
ground cloves - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice can offer a combination of flavors similar to cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making it a versatile substitute in this recipe.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: If using baking soda as a substitute, it should be combined with an acidic ingredient such as buttermilk or yogurt to ensure proper leavening.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, but it may affect the texture and flavor slightly.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with light brown sugar: Light brown sugar can be used as a substitute, although it may result in a slightly less intense molasses flavor.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, providing a similar richness and flavor to the cookies.
large egg yolk - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for egg yolk, providing moisture and binding properties to the dough.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can provide a nutty and sweet flavor similar to vanilla, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
unsulphured molasses - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a similar level of sweetness and moisture to the cookies, although it may result in a slightly different flavor profile.
white chocolate - Substitute with vanilla-flavored candy coating: Vanilla-flavored candy coating can provide a similar creamy and sweet flavor to the cookies, making it a suitable substitute for white chocolate.
Best Way to Present These Festive Star Cookies
Elevate the cookie presentation: Arrange the cookies on a pristine white platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Place a delicate edible flower or a sprig of mint on the platter to add a pop of color and sophistication.
Create a stunning contrast: Pair the white chocolate gingerbread star cookies with a dark, glossy serving dish to create a visually striking presentation.
Utilize a decorative serving tray: Present the cookies on a silver platter or a mirrored tray to add a touch of glamour to the overall presentation.
Emphasize precision and symmetry: Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern, ensuring that each one is perfectly aligned to showcase attention to detail.
Incorporate a touch of gold: Dust the cookies with a hint of edible gold dust to add a luxurious and opulent touch to the presentation.
Highlight the star shape: Place the cookies on a bed of edible gold or silver beads to emphasize the star shape and create a captivating visual effect.
Add a touch of whimsy: Incorporate a small edible glitter or sparkling sugar to add a touch of magic and playfulness to the presentation.
Utilize a tiered serving stand: Display the cookies on a tiered dessert stand to add dimension and create a visually appealing centerpiece.
Incorporate thematic elements: Pair the cookies with festive holiday decorations or seasonal foliage to create a cohesive and thematic presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Gingerbread Cookies
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Electric stand mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients.
- Paddle attachment: An attachment for an electric stand mixer used for creaming ingredients together.
- Cookie cutter: A tool used to cut out shapes from cookie dough.
- Cookie sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking cookies.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans.
- Metal spatula: A flat, thin metal utensil used for lifting and flipping cookies.
- Pastry scraper: A tool with a flat, blunt edge used for cutting and scraping dough.
- Microwave safe mixing bowl: A bowl that is safe to use in the microwave for melting and mixing ingredients.
- Resealable bag: A plastic bag with a seal that can be used for piping or drizzling melted chocolate.
- Wire rack: A metal rack used for cooling baked goods.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Gingerbread Cookies
Allow the white chocolate to fully set before storing the cookies. This will prevent the chocolate from smudging or sticking to other cookies.
Store the gingerbread star cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If freezing the cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling, cutting, and baking.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid storing the cookies in a humid environment, as they may become soft and lose their crispness.
How to Reheat Leftover Gingerbread Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the white chocolate gingerbread star cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will help restore some of the cookie's original texture and flavor.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as the white chocolate may melt, and the cookies can become too soft.
If you want to maintain the cookie's soft and chewy texture, wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving. This will help prevent them from drying out during the reheating process.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of warmth and crispiness.
If you have a few days before you plan to serve the leftover cookies, you can refresh them by storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help absorb any excess moisture, keeping the cookies soft and fresh.
Interesting Fact About Gingerbread Cookies
The gingerbread star cookies are a delightful treat during the holiday season. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Is Making These Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This white chocolate gingerbread star cookies recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of common pantry ingredients and the ability to make a large batch at once contribute to its affordability. The estimated cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat. In terms of taste and presentation, these cookies are a solid 9, offering a delightful blend of warm spices and creamy white chocolate. Whether for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser without breaking the bank.
Are These Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The white chocolate gingerbread star cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The recipe contains a significant amount of butter, sugar, and white chocolate, which are all high in calories and saturated fat. Additionally, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutritional benefits of whole grain flours.
However, there are some redeeming qualities to the recipe. The use of molasses provides a small amount of iron and calcium, and the spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves offer some antioxidants and potential health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar used in the recipe, or substitute a portion of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado
- Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate, as it contains more antioxidants and less sugar
- Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar
- Add finely chopped nuts or seeds to the dough for an extra boost of healthy fats and protein
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the white chocolate gingerbread star cookies while still maintaining their delightful flavor and texture. Remember, moderation is key when enjoying holiday treats, and these cookies can still be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in reasonable portions.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Holiday Cookie Recipe
The combination of warm gingerbread and creamy white chocolate in these star-shaped cookies creates a delightful holiday treat. The rich flavors of molasses, ginger, and spices are perfectly balanced, and the addition of white chocolate adds a luxurious touch. The recipe's clear instructions and precise measurements ensure that the cookies turn out perfectly every time. The final touch of sparkling sugar sprinkles adds a festive and elegant finish. These cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering and will impress even the most discerning of palates.
Why trust this White Chocolate Gingerbread Star Cookies Recipe:
This recipe offers a perfect balance of traditional gingerbread flavors with a delightful twist of white chocolate drizzle, adding a touch of sweetness. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and comforting aroma, while the addition of molasses provides depth and richness. The use of high-quality unsalted butter and dark brown sugar ensures a rich and indulgent taste. The inclusion of white sparkling sugar sprinkles adds a festive touch, making these cookies a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.
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