A Premature Happy Holidays!

OMG I am totally gushing, Merry Christmas everyone! Look see I brought presents, and cake, and cookies and… wait… it isn’t Christmas yet?

Bu… but… I don’t understand… I went into Myer the other day and they had huge Christmas trees up. I saw them! All beautiful, big and dripping with decorations like wet leaves on a dewy morning (yes, Christmas has a tendency to bring out my awesome poetic skills ;)). I mean, HOW CAN YOU SAY IT IS NOT CHRISTMAS. They already had the presents wrapped and sitting under the trees…

Oh… but the candy canes? And the delicious mince pies in every bakery… oh ok I understand. I thought Christmas came early this year…

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Aaah, David Jones, Myer, what are we supposed to do with you! You think you create early holiday cheer with those decorations and freshly wrapped presents? I think you just lessen the building excitement for the holiday year by allowing toddlers think Santa is way ahead of his schedule!

I can remember back in the good ol’ days when I had not reached double digits that you, and major shopping complexes in general did not start decorating till November. When it was a little bit normal 😛

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First, the wreaths and gorgeous, thick holly decorations would go up on the ceilings of the stores. Merchandise would start coming out, but in small spurts, so that every time a starry-eyed kid like me visited your store, there would always be a new decoration or tree or train set up I could occupy my time with while mummy shopped.

Then close to and in early December, the big guns came out. Thick, lush trees decorated, angels hanging from the main quarters of the department store, Santas jiggling grinning babies on their laps and elves casually walking around with iPods in their ears! It was pure magic even in the Australian heat, where the thought of leggings had you sweating! Those huge electronic stores would have TVs showing old Christmas movies and reruns and the atmosphere was simply vibrating with the desire for the holidays to come sooner!

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Then Christmas would come in a sudden flurry of activity, with fresh turkeys available, all the fixings for an incredible Christmas feast (which while I have not had, I know many who did), last minute shopping from the ‘Santas’ finally off work! Christmas Eve would pass as would the day in laziness, family and friends and then the giant Boxing Day sales would arrive.

These days, where I am quite a well acquainted double digit, the major department stores already are set up like it is Christmas Eve. Giant boxes of cookies, candy and Christmas goodies are up and running, and not only that, but they are on sale! Before even November has come…

While we can thank our lucky stars that the shopping complex I go to hasn’t decorated its ceilings yet, I can only wonder how much time they have left yet October has just begun..

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Does anyone wish for the old days again where Christmas came when it was supposed to? *Sigh*

Today I played their game and made some cookies which epitomise the season of Christmas. They are spicy, filled with that sexy ginger flavour mingling with allspice. Soft, chewy and with a very delicious aftertaste, you will be hardpressed to stop at one 😉

Gingernuts (Also known as Ginger Snaps or Ginger Biscuits) – Eggless
Source: Mastering The Art Of Baking

Makes: 35 (I made much larger cookies)

Ingredients:

  • 300g plain flour
  • 1/2 tsp bi-carb soda
  • 1 tbs ground ginger – I could not find it so used 1 tbs finely grated ginger
  • 1 tsp allspice – I used 2 1/2 for a more pronounced flavour
  • 220g light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 125g unsalted butter, chilled, chopped
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1 tbs golden syrup – I used 2 by mistake but it worked better for me

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and line two large baking trays with non-stick baking paper
  2. Sift the flour, baking soda and allspice into a large bowl.
  3. Stir in the sugar and ginger.
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  4. Add the butter and rub in using your fingertips until the mixture is fine and crumbly
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  5. Combine the boiling water and golden syrup and stir well.
  6. Add to the flour mixture and use a flat-bladed knife (I used a spatula) to mix into a soft dough – Warning, dough tastes ridiculously delicious!
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  7. Roll 2 tsp of mixture into a ball (you may need to slightly knead the mixture in your palm first to form a ball) and place on a lined tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture, leaving 5cm between each ball to allow for spreading
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  8. Use the base of the glass to flatten them slightly
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  9. Bake for 15 minutes, swapping the trays (turning them around) halfway through cooking (not necessary if fan forced oven) or until golden and cooked through
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  10. Leave on the trays for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely 😀

I seem to be all ready to leave these out with some milk for dear Santa because he should be coming any day right? 😉

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Totally keeping up with the times mes amis!

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97 Comments

  1. Pingback: Final Post 2012 « Go Bake Yourself

  3. Jaime says:

    What lovely cookies, I feel like I can smell them already; sweet, spicy ginger and the warmth of Christmas that can never come too early. I am counting down to the day all the festive baking starts!

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  6. Kathleen Richardson says:

    I absolutely agree with you that the holidays are too rushed. I like your idea of bringing out a few seasonal displays at a time, working our way up to the big shopping days. And, I don’t want my Christmas mixed with Halloween and Thanksgiving which it will be here in the U.S., CCU. Yummy cookies, especially with grated ginger and extra allspice.

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  8. Zen and Genki says:

    You know I am all for “eggless”! Wonderful timing too, as my daughter just asked last week if we could do our own version of gingerbread folks this holiday season. Thanks and Happy Holidays…a few months early 🙂

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  10. amy donovan (@amy_donovan) says:

    Christmas has already started appearing in stores here, too, + i don’t like it one bit! I need it to be at least mid-november before I even start thinking about christmas! these cookies, however, i could think about all year ’round. YUM!

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  12. Daisy@Nevertoosweet says:

    Christmas! It’s coming so soon can you believe it’s only like 40 days left before it’s Christmas and it’s everywhere in stall and stuff LOL these cookies look perfect for Xmas definitely gonna try them out 😀

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  13. Kimby says:

    Uru, they used to be known as “holidays,” but now they’re known as “marketing opportunities…” (Ugh.) Saw my first Christmas display this weekend (!) — I agree with you, there’s more excitement and anticipation when they at least wait until after Halloween (Thanksgiving is even better) to break out the jingle bells. Loved hearing about your Christmas memories… Happy “Premature” Holiday to you, too! (And thanks for the sexy, spicy cookie recipe!)

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  20. Shirley Tay says:

    Oh yes, X’mas seems to come early this year! I was surprised when beauty brands like SK-II is already out with their festive gifts. Lol! These bakes are just gorgeous, my dear! Always enjoy a bite into your cookies!

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  27. Lisa at fLVE says:

    Merry Christmas CCU! Lol, just kidding, but yes, stores here are definitely gearing up. We have a lot of Halloween things and Thanksgiving things out already…I think they are just waiting for Halloween to pass and then Christmas items will be up.

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  33. The Baking Gypsy says:

    Ugh, I was just saying that to my mom! I started my Halloween decorating yesterday, and my mom came home and told me that the stores were getting their Christmas decorations out already. I was like, but I didn’t even finish putting up for Halloween. I hate it when stores do that to you, its like you have no time to enjoy the holidays…it’s all about who can spend the most amount of money and get the best gift. Plus, they totally skip over Thanksgiving, my fav holiday….anyway, these cookies look amazing! Gingersnap cookies are so wintery and fun…I could happily eat these through to the holidays!

    Have a fab weekend Uru!

    xoxo,
    Tammy<3

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Halloween is not huge in Australia but still, it deserves some appreciation no? 😉
      And yes definitely thanksgiving for you as well! I guess all we can do is eat cookies and wonder 😉

      Hope you have a great week!
      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  34. mjskit says:

    Oh I know how you feel!! Yesterday I walked into World Market and they were setting up for Halloween in one aisle and Christmas in the next aisle. Somewhat of an oxymoron if do say so. 🙂 Your cookies look delicious! I love cookies with ginger! Have a great weekend!

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  35. atasteofmadess says:

    Hahah, I know! I walk in to Costco in AUGUST, when everyone is sweating in the heat, and we see CHRISTMAS stuff on sale. IN AUGUST. Shenanigans I tell you!
    These cookies look delicious. If I were Santa, I would head straight to your house for these cookies 😉

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  41. Ridwan says:

    I know what you mean by early christmast,some peoples already shoping for christmast too,,LoL,,btw the cookies looks beautifuly done,actually using fresh ginger is the best for me,,Yum !!

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  42. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says:

    When I lived in the states as a young person, Christmas season started the last Friday in November – the day after Thanksgiving. That Friday is still the biggest shopping day of the year. Now we find Christmas things in August and September. It’s totally crap if you ask me. Maybe we need to invent a new holiday just so we don’t live with Christmas for 4 months. 🙂 Preferably one that includes presents and these cookies.

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  44. Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake says:

    I totally know what you mean! There’s Christmas decorations for sale at many shops already and it’s only just Oct….but I guess this way people can enjoy the festivity for a little longer, although at a slightly lesser impact.

    Love the looks of those cookies! 😀

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  46. gottagetbaked says:

    Hey Uru, I LOVES me my Christmas! I put up my decorations in mid-November and take them down after the new year, just so I can prolong that special, wintry Christmas-y feeling. Then I fall into a deep dark depression when it’s all over…but what better way to dig myself up than to bake cookies? Specifically these thick, chewy-looking, perfect ginger cookies – yum!

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  48. Starr says:

    Tonight I started on Christmas, but I make my gifts… I’ve already seen the stuff in stores here too, and think it’s WAY too early. Eventually the shoppers will revolt… Right? Please tell me they will.

    Delicious looking cookies. Ginger is my favorite winter flavour 🙂

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  49. libishski says:

    Can’t believe they have Christmas stuff up at DJs and MYER. It IS ridiculous! That said, this reminds me that I’d better start planning for Christmas shopping. I know it’s early but I’d rather get it out of the way well before the shopping centres start getting hectic in the few days leading up to Christmas!

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  54. Saskia (1=2) says:

    Yum. Ginger snaps! They look fantastic. Yep, Christmas decorations have hit the stores here already too. The really creepy thing though is when they whip all the Christmas stuff down on Boxing Day and replace it with easter eggs.

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  55. Liz says:

    I can’t think of Christmas till I break out my winter coats…and I don’t plan on doing that anytime soon. I made ginger cookies every holiday…and love that you used fresh ginger…so yummy!

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  56. Alex says:

    It could be Christmas everyday, with those cookies.

    But since you mention it, I went to the supermarket yesterday (here in Portugal) and I hadn’t give it much thought until now, but I saw “bolo rei” (typically sold at Christmas)!

    Oh, well…

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  59. Kim @ Treats & Trinkets says:

    I have a friend who works in Kohls and early September (September!) she was telling me about all the cute cupcake ornaments she was decorating the Christmas trees with. *Sigh*

    But if it gets me these fantabulous cookies early, who am I to complain?

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  60. dianeskitchentable says:

    I do miss having holidays at the ‘right’ time. Christmas seems to be the one pushed earliest but as soon as they take the Christmas decorations down, they’re stocking the shelves with Valentine’s candy, then Easter… I really wonder if the decorations actually make people buy earlier which of course they hope will make you buy more. I just can’t seem to shop early myself but cookies make me happy any time at all!

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  62. Maggie @ kitchie coo says:

    Ah yes, the holidays come earlier and earlier every year don’t they? Pretty soon we’ll be celebrating Christmas year round! These cookies are a perfect holiday treat though! I’ve never had gingersnaps without molasses, and would love to try these!

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  63. Lisa says:

    Every year they start the Christmas ads and stock the stores earlier and earlier! I saw Christmas decor at one mall 3 weeks ago!! I love your cookies – but when it comes to cookies..no matter what time of year..Christmas cookies or not..I’ll eat ’em!! 🙂 Glad to see you back, pretty lady!

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  64. Veronica says:

    Thankfully we’ve got Halloween decorations in our stores but no Christmas ones. It does seem to come earlier and earlier though! I never thought I liked ginger cookies until recently I made gingersnaps that were the sauce and changed my mind. Yours are very soft and big–exactly how I like my cookies! FaBuLoUs!

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  69. Susan says:

    I hate seeing Christmas trees and decorations this early. It’s so commercialized now in order to make more $$$. I’ve barely gotten used to the fact that it’s fall here 😉

    Lovely cookies and that ginger – yum!

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  73. Mary says:

    Your cookies look wonderful and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your post today. I think merchants are reaching the point where they’ll be celebrating Christmas in July. Kinda sad. I hope you have a great weekend. Blessings…Mary

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  74. kitchenriffs says:

    Yeah, that early Christmas thing bums me too. It used to be my favorite holiday, and I certainly still enjoy it. But it’s so anticlimactic by the time it arrives. My fav holiday has become the US Thanksgiving. No fills – it’s mainly about eating and being glad you have it to eat. No cards or gifts required (just a healthy appetite). And it almost gets overlooked in all the pre-Christmas hubbub. Exactly what I like! Anyway, cool cookies. I love ginger, and I don’t think I’ve ever had gingersnaps made with fresh ginger – it’d be cool to try sometime.

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  76. navane64 says:

    For us, Christmas can wait because we are getting geared up for Diwali next month. I am going to make this cookie for Diwali and thanks for sharing. At least by looking through your recipe and step by step sharing, I already have one cookie ready in mind.

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  77. Ramona says:

    I don’t know why stores and even radio stations do it…I dislike the early intrusion of Christmas cheer before we even hit December. I listen to a radio station here that plays nonstop Christmas music starting the day after Thanksgiving. One year they started 2 weeks before Thanksgiving.. people did not like that. Don’t dilute my Christmas cheer by 3 months of celebrating I still want to enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving. Do you celebrate those in Australia?

    I love the flavors in your cookies… I think they can pass for fall cookies (although you are in spring). I have never spent a Christmas where it was hot and sunny (maybe the first four years of life in Sri Lankan). Since I came to the State, most of our Christmas days are cold and dreary…. not even snow for the proverbial “White Christmas”. Do you celebrate with “snow themed” ornaments in Australia or is it with Santa surfing? Okay… now I’m asking too many questions. Have a wonderful weekend my friend. ~ Ramona

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Oh wow and especially considering you are already in a holiday must be even more frustrating!
      Haha these cookies definitely are more Autumn style! Um we have both – definitely spoofs of Santa surfing but when we decorate the tree, totally traditional 😀
      And I love your qs!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  80. erika says:

    You had me at sexy ginger!!! (Well actually, before that, but I just like that phrase lol.) Your cookies look so perfectly uniform and crackly! I’ll have to make these when I want to impress someone.

    Also, is your nail polish some kind of fancy textured deal? I like it!

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      Thanks for liking both the cookies and the nails 😀
      My nails are actually using OPI crack so you put a base and then once it is dry, apply the crack layer and voila 😀

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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  86. thecompletecookbook says:

    Christmas festivities come to the stores earlier and earlier each year CCU! Personally I think it is a money making affair. Sad but true.
    Your cookies look divine! I do love the smell of Christmas though.
    🙂 Mandy

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