Festive Food Gingerbread Stars
Difficulty: Medium20
servings90
kcal45
minutesBrighten up your holiday season with these Festive Food Gingerbread Stars. Packed with warming spices and naturally sweetened, these cookies are a perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment. They’re made with whole-grain flour and a touch of maple syrup, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy the magic of gingerbread. Perfect for quick holiday treats or edible decorations, they come together in under an hour!
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour (adds fiber and a nutty flavor; substitute with all-purpose if needed)
½ tsp baking soda (helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender texture)
½ tsp baking powder (ensures even puffiness)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
⅛ tsp ground cloves (optional for extra warmth)
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup coconut oil, melted (provides richness while being heart-healthy; substitute with unsalted butter if preferred)
⅓ cup maple syrup (natural sweetener with a deep flavor)
2 tbsp unsulphured molasses (essential for that classic gingerbread taste)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 egg (or flaxseed egg for a vegan option: mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 2.5 tbsp water)
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. In a separate bowl, mix melted coconut oil, maple syrup, molasses, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into star shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the stars on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate, or pipe lines of a simple icing made from powdered sugar and almond milk.
Notes
- Pair these stars with a hot cup of tea or almond milk for a cozy winter snack. Use them as edible decorations on your holiday table or even as tree ornaments.
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