Winter Baking Ideas: Gingerbread Biscuits and Apple Buns

With December fast approaching, the arrival of cold crisp air, and frost beginning to emerge on the leaves of trees, combatting imminent winter blues can be difficult. When arriving home in an abundance of hats, scarves, and coats, enjoying time inside often seems the most appealing. I find lighting pine scented candles, wearing cosy pyjamas, and filling my kitchen with the warm sweet scents of baked goods, allows me to find solace in the dark winter days. Two of my favourite bakes for this time of year are gingerbread biscuits and apple buns. Both are simple to make and use seasonal ingredients, creating an ideal treat for this time of year. 

Before I provide the ingredients and instructions, I’d like to recount a brief history of these two recipes.

Gingerbread has long been associated with Christmas and colder days. However, its origins are unclear. Some believe gingerbread finds its roots in the ceremonies of ancient Egypt. Other’s attribute its popularity in Europe to an Armenian monk who brought his recipes to France. It’s probable that Gingerbread then spread through the continent, becoming pepparkakor in Sweden, lebkuchen in Germany and Austria, and gingerbread as it’s known in the United Kingdom. Gingerbreads association with Christmas in the UK can actually be traced back to Queen Elizabeth I, who gifted visitors gingerbread biscuits, designed to resemble her guests. Gingerbread was also a popular product to sell at winter fairs, and therefore became an anticipated Christmas treat. 

Apple buns, although a less typical Christmas dessert, are a personal favourite of mine. With apples being in season from late September onwards, this ingredient became popular in recipes made for the early days of winter. Apples can be used in a large variety of bakes, such as apple pies (which date back to England in 1381), crumbles, and cakes. Personally, I find apple buns the simplest to make, and the easiest to perfect. Walking down into my garden and picking apples from the trees signifies to me that colder days are about to begin. However, shop bought apples will also suffice.

Here's how to make my favourite winter treats: 

To make delectable festive gingerbread biscuits follow this easy recipe!

Ingredients:

400 grams of plain flour 

130 grams unsalted butter

150 grams brown sugar 

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon 

2 tbsp ground ginger 

130 grams golden syrup 

1 egg

Directions:

First, preheat the oven to 170° Celsius. Combine the butter and sugar in a bowl, mixing until smooth. Then, add in the egg and golden syrup, stirring to combine. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and baking powder. Next, combine the wet and dry ingredients stirring until the dough forms. On a floured surface, roll out the dough before cutting into desired shapes (these could be people, houses, reindeer, or whatever you like!). Place the cookies on a lined baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes. Then enjoy!

To make delicious winter apple buns follow these simple steps!

Ingredients:

2 cooking apples

230 grams plain flour

180 grams butter 

55 grams brown sugar      

1 egg 

½ tsp cinnamon (or to taste!)

1 tsp baking powder          

Pinch of salt 

Directions:

First, preheat the oven to 190° Celsius. Then cut the apples into small, squared pieces. In a separate bowl stir the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until combined. To this bowl, add the butter and mix until the ingredients resemble breadcrumbs. Finally, add the apples, sugar, and egg, and combine until a batter is formed. Place heaped spoonfuls on a lined baking tray and cook for 25 minutes. Then enjoy the delectable winter treats!

Image from Wikimedia Commons