Description
These Non-Alcoholic Extractgerbread Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful twist on classic gingerbread, infused with unique botanical flavors and topped with vibrant cranberry jam. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat, they offer a harmonious blend of cozy spice and fruity brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 tablespoons Non-Alcoholic Gin Flavoring/Extract
- 1/2 cup Molasses (Unsulphured)
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Cranberry Jam
- Turbinado Sugar (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and light brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Beat in the large egg until well combined. Then, add the molasses and the non-alcoholic gin flavoring. Mix until fully incorporated, scraping the bowl once more to ensure everything is evenly blended.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps of spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. The dough will be soft.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling is crucial; it prevents the cookies from spreading too much and makes them easier to handle. You can chill it for up to 24 hours.
- Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Place your turbinado sugar (if using) in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. If using turbinado sugar, roll each ball gently in the sugar to coat.
- Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Using your thumb or the back of a rounded ½ teaspoon measuring spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through to the bottom.
- Spoon approximately ½ teaspoon of cranberry jam into each thumbprint. Don't overfill, as the jam can bubble over during baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and lightly golden. The centers might still look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The jam will be very hot!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading. Use a good quality cranberry jam for the best flavor balance. Adjust spices to your taste for a personalized touch.