Bill Gindlesperger takes us back to the origins of Christmas cookies and shares his favorite gingerbread recipes.
I love cookies. There’s no cookie you don’t like. That can be a problem because you can’t just eat one (or two, or three). I’m obsessed with the smell, aroma, and taste of cookies. And if someone is thinking of making some of these gems for Christmas, the crunchier, nuttier, and more ginger or peanut butter, the better. But that’s just me.
All this made me wonder who invented Christmas cookies and how these delicious treats came to be such an important part of the Christmas festivities. As Christmas approaches, your mouth will start to water just before your belly starts to swell. The smell of baking cookies is a harbinger of Christmas joy, evoking memories and evoking the warmth of family traditions.
It turns out that the humble Christmas cookie, which comes in a myriad of shapes, sizes, and flavors, has a history as rich and diverse as its recipes. From medieval European feasts to home kitchens, Christmas cookies have become an essential part of holiday celebrations.
The history of Christmas cookies dates back to the Middle Ages, when spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper first arrived in Europe after being brought back from the Far East and Middle East by the Crusaders. At the time, these spices were rare and expensive, so they were often used as a show of wealth during the Christmas season, when demand for rich, luxurious foods was high.
The tradition of Christmas cookies is also deeply connected to the history of sugar. Sugar, which originated in Southeast Asia, was another luxury item that made its way west through trade routes. By the 16th century, sugar became more widely available in Europe, and cookies as we know them began to emerge. The Dutch and Germans are credited with bringing early versions of the Christmas he cookie to America. These cookies were often gingerbread and could be shaped into people, animals, or even edible decorations for a Christmas tree. (Oh, I love gingerbread cookies…actually anything gingerbread. Just saying…)
The variety of Christmas cookies we enjoy today is evidence of a blend of cultural customs and traditions. For example, in Sweden, pepalkakor, a spicy ginger and black pepper cookie, is a holiday staple, reflecting the Scandinavian love of all things warm and spicy. In Italy, families bake pizzelle, delicate anise-flavored wafers pressed into intricate patterns. Meanwhile, the German tradition of making lebkuchen, soft gingerbread cookies sprinkled with sugar or chocolate, has been a Christmas custom since the 14th century.
But why cookies? Other than that it’s delicious. Part of the appeal of Christmas cookies is definitely their versatility. They can be simple or ornate, and either way they are the perfect canvas for expressing your creativity. Cookie decorating has become an art form, especially with the advent of icing and food coloring. The visual appeal of sparkling sugar, festive sprinkles, and colorful glazes make these edible decorations a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
government: Chambersburg’s budget is holding the line when it comes to taxes, but some utility bills are going up. What you need to know.
New Year’s Eve: Martin’s Potato Rolls, Klumpe’s Donuts: Local Iconic Items Celebrate 2024
Baking Christmas cookies is also a labor of love that brings families and communities together. Even more than the cookies themselves, the act of baking can be a powerful connection. In many cultures, cookie exchanges are a way to share personal stories as well as recipes. This custom can be traced back to summer solstice rituals where sweets were exchanged as a form of good luck.
For many people, the appeal of Christmas cookies lies in their tradition. Recipes passed down through generations become an important part of the family heritage. From crumpled paper from old cookbooks (like a bunch of old recipes from your grandmother that are to die for) to decades-old rolling pins, these tools and recipes bring the stories of our ancestors to life. A concrete connection to the past. As children sit at the kitchen counter, hands dusted with flour, they learn more than just baking techniques, they learn about their family’s history and culture.
Everyone has their own personal cookie story (I have more than one!) Perhaps it’s your grandparents’ special recipe that only shows up once a year, or the cookie-baking tree lights. It may be a memory of a snowy night spent looking at the sky. These memories are as sweet as the sweets themselves, reminding us that the true essence of a Christmas cookie lies not just in its taste, but in the memories and emotions it evokes.
In modern times, Christmas cookies have become more than just a homemade project. Gourmet versions are now available at high-end bakeries, and cookie decorating kits are available in stores for those looking for convenience. But the heart of this tradition remains that it is truly a ritual of sharing, caring, and celebrating the joy of the season.
As we move forward, Christmas cookie traditions are likely to evolve with changing dietary trends and advances in technology. From gluten-free recipes to 3D printed cookie cutters, innovation keeps Christmas cookies relevant. But the essence of the Christmas cookie tradition is timeless. The process of making, giving, and receiving Christmas cookies will continue to be a cornerstone of holiday festivities, reminding us of the shared human experience of celebration, generosity, and, of course, a little indulgence.
Well, this is my favorite gingerbread cookie recipe that is super delicious.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour. 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon clove powder. 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (1 stick) 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon molasses.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the brown sugar. Add eggs and molasses and mix to combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Space cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies have cooled, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or other edible decorations.
Have a wonderful vacation! Don’t forget the cookies.
Bill Pindlesperger is a Central Pennsylvania native, Dickinson College alumnus, Pennsylvania System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Governor, Shippensburg University Trustee, and Chairman of eLynxx Solutions. eLynxx provides cloud software for sourcing and managing print and email marketing. He is a board member, campaign advisor, successful entrepreneur, published author, and commentator. Contact him at Bill.Gindlesperger@eLynxx.com.