Gingerbread cookies at Christmas

Here’s one for all you Grinches out there. You may be fed up of Mariah Carey, the Christmas lights may be giving you a headache and ads for mince pies may have driven you to (mulled wine) drink. But can you resist the smell of something warm and yummy as its baking in the oven?

 I sure can’t. I might only be about 6 on the Grinch-o-meter (10 making Scrooge like an amateur) but I’m sure even you Christmas-haters out there will love these coconut oil gingerbread cookies. I’m lucky to have an (almost) professional baker for a sister, so I got to make these healthy treats with her. They’re made with einkorn flour, an ancient grain that is high in iron and lower in gluten than wheat. I learn a lot about grains from my sister, among other things. They remind me of papernoten cookies that Dad used to bring back for us from Holland, with similar ginger and nutmeg notes.

There is nothing more festive than walking into the kitchen; the smell of spices from the oven, the lights of the Christmas tree sparkling comfortingly from the living room.

Even the dogs wanted to get involved (although they always do when there’s baking going on). They love to lie in front of the oven especially, or the sink. Basically wherever we have to be at that very moment. Prune likes to sample as much of the produce as possible, and Suzi likes to pose in Christmas hats. She would actually just prefer some cuddles, but we insist. Those two pups are sweeter than Christmas, anyway.

These cookies are so adorable and Christmassy, perfect to make at home and give as gifts, since this is the season of sharing. The better option is to eat them yourself, straight out of the oven (like I did). Last Christmas playing in the background strictly optional.

Thanks to Maya for the photos and the inspiration. Check out her blog for the full recipe for these and other festive treats, plus a heartwarming Christmas story even the Grinches out there will love.