Citrus Gingerbread Cookies

Name: Citrus Gingerbread Cookies
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 dozen.
Cuisine: Europe, German
Ingredients: 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup honey; 1/2 cup molasses; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed; 1 large egg; 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup ground almonds; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; 1 teaspoon each ground cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves; GLAZE:; 1/2 cup honey; 2 tablespoons water

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling YIELD: 6 dozen.

Orange and lemon zest give gingerbread cutouts a refreshing twist. Brushing a honey glaze over the top adds a subtle shine and an extra touch of sweetness. —Monique Hooker, DeSoto, Wisconsin

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1 large egg
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup ground almonds
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 teaspoon each ground cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves
GLAZE:
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, honey and molasses. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Let stand 20 minutes. Stir in butter; let stand 20 minutes longer.
2. Beat in egg. In another bowl, whisk flour, almonds, baking powder, lemon zest, orange zest and spices; gradually beat into sugar mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 375°. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into three portions. Roll each portion to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-in. tree-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray.
4. Bake 7-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on pans 1 minute. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. In a small bowl, mix glaze ingredients; brush over cookies. Let stand until set.
5. To Make Ahead: Dough can be made 2 days in advance. Wrap in plastic and place in a resealable bag. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 66 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.