Gingerbread cookies became popular under Queen Elizabeth I who gifted gingerbread men (human shaped gingerbread cookies) to foreign dignitaries. Every dignitary would receive a cookie that was supposed to look just like them. Really demanding for the royal pastry chef, eh?
Gingerbread is eaten a lot during the holiday season and has been associated with Christmas celebrations. If you want perfectly chewy gingerbread cookies, with a touch of crunch, this recipe is a great place to start. Throughout this tutorial I’ve included suggestions to either spice up the recipe (for a more in-your-face flavour) or tone it down if you’re planning on serving these to kids (or dogs – dogs like gingerbread).
