Easy Gingerbread Wedges: A Simple Festive Treat

Gingerbread, with its warm, spicy aroma and comforting flavors, is synonymous with the holiday season. While elaborate gingerbread houses are impressive, sometimes you just want a quick and easy treat that captures the essence of gingerbread without spending hours in the kitchen. These gingerbread wedges are the perfect solution! They’re simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are incredibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just craving a taste of Christmas, these wedges are sure to be a hit.

## Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Wedges

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is designed for simplicity. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients are required.
* **Quick Baking Time:** From start to finish, you can have these wedges ready in under an hour.
* **Deliciously Spiced:** The perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates that classic gingerbread flavor.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy them plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with a dollop of whipped cream.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These wedges are ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or gift-giving.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 cups (250g). All-purpose flour provides the structure for the wedges. You can also use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon (5g). Baking soda helps the wedges rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
* **Ground Ginger:** 2 teaspoons (4g). Ginger is the star of the show, providing that warm, spicy flavor.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon (2g). Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness to the gingerbread.
* **Ground Cloves:** 1/2 teaspoon (1g). Cloves add a deeper, more complex spice note.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g). Salt enhances the other flavors in the recipe.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1/2 cup (113g), softened. Softened butter adds richness and moisture to the wedges. Make sure it is softened but not melted.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup (100g), packed. Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture, and contributes to the characteristic gingerbread color.
* **Molasses:** 1/2 cup (160g). Molasses is essential for that classic gingerbread flavor and color. Use unsulphured molasses for the best taste.
* **Egg:** 1 large. The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
* **Milk:** 1/4 cup (60ml). Milk adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter.
* **Optional: Powdered Sugar:** For dusting the finished wedges.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch Round Baking Pan:** This is the ideal size for making wedges. You can also use an 8-inch pan, but the wedges will be slightly thicker.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking pan for easy removal.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make mixing the batter easier, but you can also use a whisk.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the ingredients.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the baked wedges.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious gingerbread wedges:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
* Line a 9-inch round baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the wedges from sticking and make them easy to remove. Leave an overhang of parchment paper on the sides to use as handles.

**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

* In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

**Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar**

* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a tender crumb.

**Step 4: Add the Molasses and Egg**

* Beat in the molasses until well combined. Molasses is a thick liquid, so make sure it is fully incorporated.
* Add the egg and beat until smooth. The egg helps to bind the ingredients together.

**Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients**

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This prevents the batter from becoming tough. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, and the milk in two additions.
* Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough wedges.

**Step 6: Pour Batter into Prepared Pan**

* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Use a spatula to ensure the batter is distributed evenly in the pan for even baking.

**Step 7: Bake the Wedges**

* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the wedges. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

**Step 8: Cool and Cut**

* Let the wedges cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
* Once cool, cut the gingerbread into wedges. You can cut them into 8 or 12 wedges, depending on your preference.

**Step 9: Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)**

* If desired, dust the wedges with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

## Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Wedges

* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter is easier to cream with the sugar and will result in a smoother batter. If you forget to take the butter out of the refrigerator in advance, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough wedges. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Good Quality Molasses:** The quality of the molasses will affect the flavor of the gingerbread. Use unsulphured molasses for the best taste.
* **Measure Accurately:** Accurate measurements are essential for baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons to measure the ingredients carefully.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert the toothpick into the center of the wedges. If it comes out clean, the wedges are done.
* **Cool Completely Before Cutting:** Cooling the wedges completely before cutting them will prevent them from crumbling.

## Variations and Additions

* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Add Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Add Candied Ginger:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped candied ginger to the batter for a more intense ginger flavor.
* **Make a Cream Cheese Frosting:** Top the wedges with a simple cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat. To make the frosting, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
* **Spice it up!**: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy gingerbread.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy note.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the gingerbread wedges plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with a dollop of whipped cream.
* Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.
* Serve them as part of a holiday dessert platter.
* Give them as gifts to friends and family.

## Storage Instructions

* Store the gingerbread wedges in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* You can also freeze the wedges for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

## Gingerbread Wedge Recipe

**Yields:** 8-12 wedges
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
* 2 teaspoons (4g) ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
* 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup (160g) molasses
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
* Optional: Powdered sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in molasses until well combined.
5. Add egg and beat until smooth.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before lifting out using parchment paper overhang. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cool, cut into wedges.
11. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

## Conclusion

These easy gingerbread wedges are a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday season. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a batch of these warm, spicy treats ready in no time. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a cozy snack, these gingerbread wedges are sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of gingerbread! Enjoy!