Introduction
Gingerbread men cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a recipe for gingerbread men cookies with a twist: incorporating CBD (cannabidiol) into the recipe. CBD is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the hemp plant, known for its potential health benefits. By infusing these delightful cookies with CBD, you can enjoy the flavors of the holiday season while potentially experiencing a sense of relaxation. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure and create gingerbread men cookies that are both delicious and wellness-enhancing.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Equipment
- Preparing the CBD-infused Gingerbread Dough
- Rolling and Cutting the Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Baking the Cookies
- Decorating the Gingerbread Men
- Serving and Storing
- Conclusion
- Ingredients:
- For the Gingerbread Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon CBD-infused oil (make sure it’s food-grade and free of THC)
For the Icing
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- CBD-infused sprinkles or regular sprinkles (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread man cookie cutter
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag or plastic sandwich bag (optional)
Preparing the CBD-infused Gingerbread Dough
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, CBD-infused oil, and egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand with a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc.
- Wrap the dough discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Rolling and Cutting the Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Take one disc of chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough.
- Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
- Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second disc of dough.
- Gather any dough scraps, re-roll them, and continue cutting out gingerbread men shapes until all the dough is used.
Baking the Cookies
- Place the baking sheets with the gingerbread men cookies in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately
- 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden brown.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.
- Decorating the Gingerbread Men:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth icing. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each bowl to create different colors.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner snipped off.
- Decorate the cooled gingerbread men cookies with icing, creating patterns, faces, or any design of your choice.
- While the icing is still wet, you can sprinkle CBD-infused sprinkles or regular sprinkles over the cookies for added decoration and texture.
- Allow the icing to set completely before storing or serving the gingerbread men cookies.
Serving and Storing
- Once the icing has fully set, the CBD-infused gingerbread men cookies are ready to be enjoyed.
- Serve the cookies as a festive treat during the holiday season or as a delightful snack any time of the year.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To maintain the potential freshness and effectiveness of the CBD, consume the cookies within the recommended timeframe.
Conclusion
By infusing CBD into the gingerbread men cookies, you can combine the traditional flavors of this beloved holiday treat with the potential wellness benefits of CBD. This comprehensive guide has provided you with step-by-step instructions to create delicious and festive cookies that are both delightful to the taste buds and potentially beneficial for relaxation. Remember to use food-grade CBD oil that is free of THC and to enjoy the cookies responsibly. Whether you’re baking these cookies for a holiday gathering, a gift for loved ones, or simply to indulge in a moment of relaxation, the combination of gingerbread flavors and CBD infusion is sure to bring joy and comfort. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and savor each bite of these CBD-infused gingerbread men cookies. Enjoy!