Step into a world of festive cheer and delicious aroma with these delightful Merry Moose Cookies. Crafted from classic gingerbread, each cookie is lovingly cut, decorated, and adorned with a charming red scarf, making them a centerpiece for any holiday gathering. These aren’t just cookies; they’re tiny canvases of joy, perfect for sharing the warmth of the season with loved ones.
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with sparkling lights, heartwarming traditions, and the comforting scent of freshly baked treats. For me, Christmas lights hold a special place in my heart. There’s an undeniable enchantment that comes with seeing houses illuminated, transforming neighborhoods into a festive wonderland. This year, my husband brought that magic right to our doorstep by hanging lights outside our house. It’s a simple pleasure, yet every time I pull into the driveway, a wave of giddy excitement washes over me. It’s a small detail that truly encapsulates the spirit of the season, making every evening a little brighter.
Beyond the twinkling lights, another cherished tradition during this time of year is the exchange of Christmas cards. I absolutely adore seeing the creativity that shines through each year, and it’s a wonderful way to connect with friends and family, observing how much everyone has grown and changed. Designing our own cards is equally fulfilling, allowing me to reflect on the fond memories of my children and witness their journey as they continue to blossom. These cards become treasured keepsakes, encapsulating moments of joy and connection that last long after the holiday season ends.
As we wrap up #ChristmasCookie week, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that combines both personal sentiment and classic holiday flavors: these adorable Merry Moose Cookies. The inspiration for these cookies came about quite naturally. When YumGoggle generously offered participants two cookie cutters of their choice, I knew instantly that one had to be a moose. This choice wasn’t just about holiday whimsy; it held a deeper, more personal meaning.
My husband and I are proud members of our local Moose Lodge, a community hub where we’ve forged some of our most cherished friendships. It’s a place where we always feel at home, greeted with warmth and camaraderie by fellow members and friends. The lodge provides a wonderful environment for our children to socialize, enjoy live music, and simply revel in good company. Crafting these Merry Moose Cookies became a delightful way to honor both the festive spirit of Christmas and our deep affection for the Moose Lodge, allowing us to celebrate both passions in a truly delicious manner.
These Merry Moose Cookies are a celebration of the classic gingerbread flavor, elevated with a touch of festive decoration. The rich, spiced gingerbread forms the perfect canvas for our creative expression. We’ve adorned each moose with a cheerful red royal icing scarf, bringing a touch of whimsical holiday spirit to every bite. To add an extra sparkle, I incorporated exquisite SprinklePop Sprinkles, transforming each cookie into a miniature work of edible art that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Delicious Gingerbread Merry Moose Cookies
Gingerbread has long been a staple of holiday baking, enchanting palates with its warm spices and comforting aroma. The history of gingerbread dates back centuries, evolving from ancient honey cakes to the spiced confections we cherish today. Its rich flavor profile, featuring ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, perfectly embodies the cozy essence of winter and the festive cheer of Christmas. There’s something inherently nostalgic about a soft gingerbread cookie, and when shaped into an endearing moose, it adds a unique charm to any holiday cookie platter.
Creating these Merry Moose Cookies is more than just following a recipe; it’s an experience that brings joy and creativity into your kitchen. The process begins with a perfectly spiced gingerbread dough, which is then rolled out and cut into festive moose shapes. This stage is particularly fun, especially for families, as everyone can participate in bringing these characters to life. And a quick baking tip: if you don’t already own a Silpat baking mat, you are truly missing out! These non-stick mats are an absolute game-changer for baking, ensuring even heat distribution and easy release, making them perfect for delicate cookies like these. They’ll quickly become one of your most treasured baking tools.
Once baked to golden perfection, the real magic begins with the decoration. The red royal icing scarf is simple yet incredibly effective in transforming these gingerbread cutouts into delightful Merry Moose characters. Royal icing, known for its smooth finish and ability to dry hard, provides the perfect texture for piping intricate details. Using a piping bag allows for precise control, making it easy to create the scarf shape. For an extra touch of sparkle, a sprinkle of festive edible glitter or colorful sprinkles adds a whimsical finish, catching the light and enhancing their holiday appeal. You can even personalize each scarf with different colors or patterns, allowing your creativity to shine through.
Beyond their charming appearance, these Merry Moose Cookies boast a flavor that is both deeply satisfying and wonderfully comforting. The combination of pungent ginger, warm cinnamon, aromatic cloves, and a hint of allspice creates a symphony of flavors that is unmistakably festive. Each bite offers a delightful balance of spice and sweetness, with a soft, chewy texture that simply melts in your mouth. They are robust enough to hold their shape during baking and decorating, yet tender enough to be truly irresistible.
Making homemade cookies during the holidays is a tradition that fosters warmth, togetherness, and lasting memories. The act of baking, the aroma filling the house, and the joy of sharing these treats with friends and family are all part of what makes the season so special. These Merry Moose Cookies are perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa by a crackling fire. They embody the spirit of generosity and the simple pleasures of homemade goodness that define the holiday season.
For those who love to bake, these cookies offer a chance to hone your skills and express your creativity. For beginners, gingerbread dough is quite forgiving, making this an accessible and rewarding project. The steps are straightforward, ensuring a successful batch of cookies even for novice bakers. The satisfaction of seeing these charming moose come to life, from dough to decorated masterpiece, is truly unparalleled.
These adorable and delicious Merry Moose Cookies are a testament to the joy of holiday baking and the power of simple traditions. They are more than just a sweet treat; they are an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and create beautiful memories with those you hold dear. Whether you’re making them for your family, sharing them with your community, or simply indulging in a moment of festive bliss, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer.
If you’re looking for another equally festive and delightful treat, you’ve absolutely gotta try these Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Cookie Cups. They offer a refreshing burst of peppermint combined with rich chocolate and coffee notes, perfect for adding variety to your holiday dessert spread.
What makes a perfect gingerbread cookie? It’s often a combination of a perfectly balanced spice blend, a dough that’s easy to work with, and a baking time that results in a tender, slightly chewy cookie. Chilling the dough is a crucial step to prevent spreading and ensure those crisp moose shapes. Rolling the dough to an even thickness is also key for uniform baking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your spice levels; some prefer a bolder ginger kick, while others enjoy a more subtle blend. Remember, baking is an art, and every baker adds their unique touch.
Beyond the simple pleasure of baking, the entire Christmas season is a canvas for creating beautiful memories. From the twinkling lights that greet me each evening to the heartfelt messages in Christmas cards, every detail contributes to the overall magic. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and embracing the simple joys of life. These cookies, inspired by community and crafted with love, are a perfect embodiment of that spirit.
So, tell me, what is your go-to favorite cookie to bake for the holiday season? Is it a classic sugar cookie, a spiced shortbread, or something entirely unique? Share your traditions and favorites in the comments below! And don’t forget to enter our awesome giveaway – it’s another fantastic way to celebrate the season of giving.
Merry Moose Cookies
Prep
Cook
Inactive
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 18 cookies
Delicious gingerbread cookies are cut and decorated into these Merry Moose Cookies adorned with a pretty red scarf.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- 2/ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- Royal Icing, for decorating
- Sprinkles, for decorating
Royal Icing
- 16 ounces powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- Sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Into a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Set aside.
- Melt the butter and shortening in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and add brown sugar and molasses. Allow to cool.
- Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat with a mixer until incorporated. In batches, add flour mixture and stir just until combined.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap and pat into a 1/2 inch thick disk and place into refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
- Allow dough to come to room temperature
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 cookie sheets with a Silpat or parchment paper.
- Roll out dough onto a lightly floured surface into a 1/4″ thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut shapes out of the dough. Arrange onto baking sheet and bake 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes and then place onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Royal Icing
- Sift the powdered sugar and meringue powder together into a large bowl. Stir in the water and beat with a mixer, on medium speed, until soft peaks form. Stir in food coloring.
- Place into a piping bag and pipe on a scarf. Add Sprinkles and allow to dry.
Notes
Recipe from Food Network
Courses Dessert
Cuisine American
Aren’t these Merry Moose Cookies just the cutest addition to your holiday spread? Not to mention, they are absolutely delicious and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. There’s truly something special about a soft, perfectly spiced gingerbread cookie, and it’s an essential classic to include on any festive cookie tray.
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