Gingerbread with Caramel Cookies is a delightful and festive treat that brings together the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with the sweetness of caramel. These gluten-free cookies are perfect for the holiday season, offering a comforting and nostalgic taste that will surely be a hit with family and friends. The combination of soft gingerbread cookies filled with creamy caramel cream cheese and topped with a luscious date drizzle creates a mouthwatering experience that captures the essence of the holidays.

Gingerbread has a long history dating back to ancient times when it was used in religious ceremonies and as a medicinal remedy. Over the centuries, gingerbread evolved into a popular holiday treat, especially during Christmas. The tradition of making gingerbread cookies and houses during the festive season became widespread in Europe and later spread to America.

The addition of caramel and cream cheese to traditional gingerbread cookies adds a modern twist, enhancing the flavor and texture of the cookies. The use of gluten-free flour ensures that everyone can enjoy these delicious treats, making them an inclusive choice for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups gluten-free flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp ginger
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp grade B maple syrup
• ¼ cup blackstrap molasses
• 4 tbsp applesauce
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg

CREAM:

• 8 Medjool dates, pitted
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla

DRIZZLE:

• 6 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients, including gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
3. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients – grade B maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, applesauce, vanilla extract, and egg.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix only until combined, ensuring not to overmix the dough.
5. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop the dough into a mini muffin pan to form cookie cups.
6. Bake the cookies for about 12-14 minutes until they are cooked through. Gently press the center of each cookie to create a cavity, and then allow them to cool completely before filling.

CREAM:

1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, blend together the pitted Medjool dates, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth to create the caramel cream filling.
2. Spoon a tablespoon of the caramel cream cheese mixture into each cookie cup.

DRIZZLE:

1. Blend together the pitted Medjool dates and water until smooth to create the date drizzle.
2. Transfer the drizzle into a ziplock bag and snip the corner. Drizzle the date mixture over each cookie cup for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.

CONCLUSION:

• Gingerbread with Caramel Cookies is a delightful treat that adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. The combination of spiced gingerbread, creamy caramel cream cheese filling, and the luscious date drizzle makes these cookies a standout dessert for family gatherings, parties, or simply as a cozy treat by the fireplace during the festive season. Enjoy the magical flavors of gingerbread and caramel in each delicious bite!