Gingerbread Squares

Here's the perfect sweet treat to offer your host or hostess as you ring in the New Year.  These tasty gingerbread squares make the perfect gift packed in a parchment-lined cookie tin.  Although cut into very small (1 and 3/4-inch) squares to feed a crowd, you could also cut larger squares for a quick snack-time treat at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup vegan sugar
• 1/2 cup vegan buttermilk*
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup melted vegan butter
• 1 Ener-G egg
• Cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon vegan powdered sugar

1. Lightly spoon the flour into dry measuring cups and level with a knife.  Combine the flour in a bowl with the ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, buttermilk, molasses, butter, and Ener-G egg, whisking until smooth.  Add the flour mixture and stir to combine.

3. Spoon the batter into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes; a wooden pick inserted in the center should come out clean (you may need to bake a couple minutes longer).  Cool in the pan on a wire rack before sprinkling evenly with the powdered sugar.  Cut into 25 small squares. 

*To prepare the buttermilk, place 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup, and fill with plain non-dairy milk to equal 1/2 cup.  Let stand for 5 minutes to clabber (sour) before adding to the recipe as directed.

Nutrition Info:
25 servings (1 square), Calories 84 

Tasting Notes:
Deep, dark molasses taste - almost chocolate-y.  These yummy little squares had a very old-fashioned feel and flavor, and were closer to brownies than cookies.  My complaint is that they were more molasses squares than gingerbread squares; I'd increase the spices next time. Although I wondered about the small portion sizes, a little really goes a long way with these tasty bites, since the flavor is rich and intense.

Rating:
4