17 Gingerbread Cookies Recipe Southern Living Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Apr 1, 2024
Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that bring joy and warmth to any home. The delicious combination of spices and molasses make them a staple in Southern living during the festive season. In this article, we will provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to the perfect gingerbread cookies recipe. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family. Let's get started!
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
One of the most iconic dishes in Southern cuisine, southern cornbread is an essential element to any beer can chicken recipe. Made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, this savory bread is cooked in a cast iron skillet to achieve a crispy crust. It pairs perfectly with tender, juicy chicken, making it a must-try for any beer can chicken enthusiast. And with this recipe, you can take it up a notch by adding in some flavorful herbs and spices for a unique twist on the classic southern cornbread.
A classic southern dish, smothered chicken is a comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied and full. Made with chicken thighs smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, this dish is perfect for any weeknight meal or special occasion. And when paired with beer can chicken, it creates a dynamic duo that is sure to impress your taste buds. This recipe adds a touch of Cajun seasoning to give the chicken an extra kick of flavor, making it a must-try for any lover of southern cuisine.
Another staple in southern cooking, cornbread dressing is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices, this dressing is full of flavor and adds a unique touch to any meal. It's also a great way to use up any leftover cornbread you may have from making southern cornbread. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Collard greens are a classic southern side dish that is full of flavor and nutrition. Made with collard green leaves, bacon, and spices, this dish is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. The hearty and earthy flavors of the collard greens complement the tender and juicy chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors on your plate. And with this recipe, you can add a touch of heat with the addition of crushed red pepper flakes, giving your taste buds a pleasant kick.
Southern smothered oxtails are a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for any special occasion. Made with tender oxtail pieces smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, this dish is sure to leave you feeling satisfied. And when paired with beer can chicken, it creates a unique and delicious combination of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe adds in some bold flavors like Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give the oxtails an extra kick.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No southern meal is complete without a side of flaky and buttery biscuits. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk, these biscuits are a staple in southern cuisine. And when paired with beer can chicken, they make for a perfect addition to any meal. This recipe uses a combination of shortening and butter to achieve the perfect flaky texture, and a sprinkle of salt on top adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
A comfort food favorite, southern baked macaroni and cheese is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Made with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is full of flavor and texture. The rich and creamy mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken, creating a well-balanced meal. And with this recipe, you can add in some bold flavors like cayenne pepper and garlic powder for an extra kick.
A twist on the classic southern baked macaroni and cheese, this recipe adds in some smoked gouda and cheddar cheese for a unique and delicious flavor. The creamy and cheesy mac and cheese pairs perfectly with beer can chicken, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. And with the addition of crispy bacon on top, this dish is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
A sweet and decadent dessert, southern pecan pie bars are the perfect way to end a meal featuring beer can chicken. Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a rich and gooey pecan filling, these bars are a crowd favorite. And with this recipe, you can add a touch of bourbon to the filling for a unique and flavorful twist. Serve these bars alongside your beer can chicken for a sweet and savory combo that will leave your guests wanting more.
Nothing says summer in the South like a classic peach cobbler. Made with fresh peaches, warm spices, and a buttery biscuit topping, this dessert is a must-try for any beer can chicken enthusiast. The sweet and juicy peaches pair perfectly with the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a well-balanced meal. And with this recipe, you can add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the topping for an extra burst of flavor.
Another classic southern side dish, collard greens are a must-try for any lover of beer can chicken. Made with collard green leaves, bacon, and spices, this dish is full of flavor and nutrition. It pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. And with this recipe, you can add in some bold flavors like hot sauce and apple cider vinegar for an extra kick.
Pimento cheese is a southern favorite that is perfect for any beer can chicken meal. Made with a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos, this spread is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. Serve it on crackers, bread, or even as a topping for your beer can chicken for a delicious and unique twist on this classic southern dish.
Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is often overlooked in southern cuisine. But when cooked with bacon and spices, it becomes a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The tender and flavorful cabbage is a great contrast to the rich and juicy chicken, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. And with this recipe, you can add in some bold flavors like cayenne pepper and paprika for an extra kick.
Sausage gravy is a classic southern breakfast dish that can also be enjoyed with beer can chicken. Made with a creamy gravy and chunks of flavorful sausage, this dish is full of hearty and savory flavors. Serve it over biscuits or mashed potatoes alongside your chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal. And with this recipe, you can add in some bold flavors like red pepper flakes and hot sauce for an extra kick.
A versatile and delicious side dish, southern cornbread is a must-try for any beer can chicken enthusiast. Made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, this savory bread is a perfect addition to any meal. And with this recipe, you can add in some bold flavors like jalapenos and cheddar cheese for a unique and flavorful twist. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Hush puppies are a classic southern side dish that is perfect for any beer can chicken meal. Made with a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, and seasonings, these deep-fried balls of goodness are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They pair perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. And with this recipe, you can add in some bold flavors like onion and cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Fried corn is a simple yet delicious side dish that is perfect for any beer can chicken meal. Made with fresh corn kernels, butter, and seasonings, this dish is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. And with this recipe, you can add in some bold flavors like garlic and paprika for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Squash casserole is a classic southern dish that is perfect for any beer can chicken meal. Made with tender squash, onions, and a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish. It pairs perfectly with the juicy and flavorful chicken, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. And with this recipe, you can add in some bold flavors like cayenne pepper and garlic powder for an extra kick.
Shrimp and grits is a classic southern dish that can also be enjoyed alongside beer can chicken. Made with creamy grits, tender shrimp, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is full of flavor and texture. It pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. And with this recipe, you can add in some bold flavors like Cajun seasoning and hot sauce for an extra kick.
A twist on the classic southern baked macaroni and cheese, this recipe incorporates some southern flavors like smoked gouda and sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of Cajun seasoning for a unique and delicious dish. The creamy and cheesy mac and cheese pairs perfectly with beer can chicken, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Serve it alongside your chicken for a meal that will impress your taste buds.
Ingredients
1. Flour
One of the main ingredients in gingerbread cookies is flour. It provides the structure and texture for the cookies, so it's important to use the right type. All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can also use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
2. Spices
The key to the delicious flavor of gingerbread cookies is the combination of warm spices. These include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality spices for the best taste.
3. Molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that gives gingerbread cookies their iconic rich flavor. Look for unsulphured molasses for a purer taste.
4. Butter
Butter adds moisture and richness to the cookies. Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
5. Baking Essentials
Other essential ingredients include baking soda, salt, and brown sugar. These help with the rising and sweetness of the cookies.
Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the Molasses
Slowly pour in the molasses and continue to mix until well combined.
3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop and the dough to firm up.
5. Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake and Decorate
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or leave them plain.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the perfect gingerbread cookies recipe, it's time to get baking! These cookies make a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or can be packaged as a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, the warm and cozy scent of gingerbread will fill your home with holiday cheer. So gather your ingredients and let the baking begin! Remember to have fun and enjoy this delicious Southern living tradition. Happy holidays!
