Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 30 servings

Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup white sugar, plus more for rolling
• 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Filling:

• 4 ounces white chocolate, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon unsulphured molasses
• 1 pinch ground ginger
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons black melting candy coating, such as Wilton Candy Melts, or as needed

Directions

Step 1: Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and 1/3 cup white sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the 1/3 cup molasses, egg, and vanilla, then mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add in flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, baking soda, cloves, and allspice. Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Pour about 1/3 cup white sugar into a separate small bowl. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. The dough will be a little sticky but should still form into a ball. If too sticky, refrigerate until easier to handle.

Step 5: Roll the dough ball in the sugar to coat, then place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Scoop out 2 separate 1/2-teaspoons of dough, roll each into a ball, and coat them in sugar. Place one ball on each side of the larger dough ball to form the bear ears. These "ears" wont stick to the larger ball but should be touching it.

Step 7: Repeat this process with the remaining dough, placing the "bears" about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Place the baking sheets into the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).

Step 9: Bake cookies, one baking sheet at a time, for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies look just set.

Step 10: Remove from the oven, and immediately use the back of a rounded 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to carefully indent the middle of each cookie. Be sure not to go all the way through. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process with the remaining cookies.

Step 11: To make the filling, place white chocolate, heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon molasses, pinch of ginger, pinch of cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg, and pinch of salt into a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat on 50% power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate has melted and the filling is smooth.

Step 12: Carefully spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the filling into each cookies indentation. Allow the filling to set until it becomes soft-set, which should take about 15 minutes.

Step 13: Place black Candy Melts into a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave according to the package directions. Pour the melted Candy Melts into a piping bag and snip a small hole at the end.

Step 14: Pipe eyes and noses onto the cookies' bear faces, reheating the Candy Melts as necessary. Allow the eyes and noses to set before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Servings per recipe: 30

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	126
Total Fat	5g	7%
Saturated Fat	3g	16%
Cholesterol	17mg	6%
Sodium	122mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	18g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0g	1%
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	2g	3%
Vitamin C	0mg	0%
Calcium	33mg	3%
Iron	1mg	4%
Potassium	90mg	2%

Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional ginger cookies, offering a fun, adorable presentation combined with a rich, spiced white chocolate filling. These cookies, with their playful bear-shaped design, are a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or any special occasion that calls for something both cute and delicious.

History of Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies

The origins of thumbprint cookies can be traced back to Northern Europe, where similar variations have existed for centuries. Known as "Jam Cookies" or "Thumbprint Biscuits," these cookies were typically made with jam or fruit preserves placed in the indentation. The Gingerbear version, however, adds a unique American twist by incorporating ginger, molasses, and a spiced white chocolate filling. The bear-shaped design is an inventive touch, likely inspired by the popularity of animal-shaped cookies that are especially beloved by children and families during the winter holiday season.

Regional Features of Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies

Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies are a popular dessert in the United States, especially in the colder months. The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg make these cookies particularly well-suited to autumn and winter holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve. In regions where ginger and molasses are widely used, such as the Northeast and Midwest, these cookies are a staple in many households. The American fascination with "thumbprint" cookies, often seen with different fillings, has made this variation a festive favorite.

How They Differ from Similar Cookies

At first glance, Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies might appear similar to classic ginger snap cookies or other thumbprint varieties. However, their distinctive shape and the use of white chocolate as a filling set them apart. Unlike traditional thumbprint cookies, which often feature fruit or jelly in the center, the Gingerbear Thumbprint is filled with a creamy spiced white chocolate mixture. Additionally, the cookies are crafted into bear shapes, adding a layer of fun and creativity that other versions do not have. This makes them a standout choice for celebrations where both taste and visual appeal are important.

Where Are Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies Typically Served?

These cookies are often served at holiday parties, family gatherings, or as part of a festive cookie platter. Theyre particularly popular at Christmas, where their bear shape fits perfectly into the seasonal theme of winter animals. Theyre also a great addition to a bake sale or as a homemade gift. Thanks to their charming look and delightful flavor, Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies are loved by both children and adults, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Interesting Facts About Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies

• Ginger has been used as a spice for thousands of years, dating back to ancient China and Greece. It is known for its warming properties and is often used in baked goods to evoke comfort and nostalgia.
• Molasses, a key ingredient in Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies, is a byproduct of sugar refining. It is rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, which adds a slightly bitter sweetness to the dough.
• The bear shape is not just cuteit has cultural significance as well. Bears are often seen as symbols of strength, courage, and protection, making them a perfect motif for a holiday treat meant to bring people together.
• White chocolate is used in the filling to create a smooth, sweet contrast to the spices in the cookie dough. The creamy texture of the white chocolate helps balance the spiciness of the ginger and cinnamon.

In conclusion, Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies offer not only a delicious combination of flavors but also a fun and creative twist on a beloved cookie classic. Whether youre baking for the holidays or looking for a fun treat to share with family and friends, these cookies are sure to impress with both their taste and charm.

FAQ about Gingerbear Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Comments