A Winter Cookie Recipe: Glove and Mitten Cookies

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup shortening
• ½ cup molasses
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg
• Powdered sugar frosting (recipe below)

Instructions

1. Mixing the Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of shortening using an electric mixer on medium to high speed for about 30 seconds.
   • Add ½ teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ cup sugar. Continue to beat until well combined.
   • Beat in 1 egg and ½ cup molasses until the mixture is smooth.
   • Gradually add 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, beating as much as you can with the mixer. Use a wooden spoon to stir in any remaining flour.

2. Chilling the Dough

   • Divide the dough into thirds, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until it is firm enough to handle.

3. Creating Patterns

   • While the dough chills, trace your child's hand onto cardboard or heavy paper to create mitten and glove shapes. Cut out the patterns and set them aside.

4. Rolling and Cutting the Dough

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out one-third of the dough directly onto a greased cookie sheet to a ¼ inch thickness. Dust your rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
   • Place the hand patterns on the dough, leaving about ¾ inch between each shape. Cut along the patterns with a knife and remove excess dough.

5. Baking the Cookies

   • Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are set.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Repeat the process with the remaining dough.

Decorating with Powdered Sugar Frosting

Frosting Ingredients

• 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Additional milk (1 teaspoon at a time, as needed)
• Food coloring (optional)

Frosting Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Stir until smooth.
2. Add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
3. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
4. Decorate the cookies with the frosting. You can personalize each cookie by writing names or initials.

Fun Facts and Stats

• Did you know? According to a survey by the American Bakers Association, 52% of Americans bake cookies during the holiday season. Source
• Interesting Stat: The global cookie market was valued at approximately $30 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2021 to 2028. Source
• Fun Fact: The largest gingerbread cookie ever made weighed over 1,308 pounds and was created in Norway in 2009. Source

Conclusion

This Glove and Mitten cookie recipe is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your children during the winter months. Not only do you get to enjoy delicious cookies, but you also create lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, trace those little hands, and get baking!

For more baking inspiration, check out AllRecipes and Food Network.