Mr. Manolo Blahnik would like to share his beloved gingerbread cookie recipe. Why now? Because it’s 2020. Times are tough and the holidays will be hard. In Europe, where he is, most countries are entering a second lockdown. So, like so many of us, the designer is finding happiness in small things, like crafting Christmas confections. “Baking and cooking is a welcomed distraction to many,” he says. “And for the sweet tooth lovers, like myself, there is nothing better than gingerbread cookies.”
Whereas many professional cookbooks may overcomplicate things or add extraneous flavor, Blahnik likes his to stick to simple ingredients: cinnamon, cloves, and of course, molasses. “It’s a very easy recipe to follow and I hope it brings a little joy to everyone over this festive period,” he says.
Below, his recipe for the classic holiday dessert.
Manolo Blahnik’s Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
3⁄4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1⁄2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp cinnamon
1⁄2 tsp ground cloves
1⁄2 tsp ginger
1 egg
1⁄4 cup molasses
1⁄4 cup white sugar for rolling
Directions
Take out your egg and butter from the refrigerator about an hour before you begin to allow these to reach room temperature.
Using a stand or hand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until it’s lovely and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together all your delicious dry ingredients.
Add in the egg and molasses to the butter and sugar mixture. Once it’s thoroughly mixed together, add the dry ingredients and stir until everything is perfectly combined.
Scoop a heaped tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll the dough into a ball and roll in the white sugar to coat for that added sparkle and sweetness.
Place on a baking sheet and chill for 30-45 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes and there you have delicious sweet gingerbread cookies.