Kahlúa Gingerbread … Gingerbread

I know. It’s obvious. But it’s holiday time, and I wanted to decorate some cookies. And I have to say, if you decide to get one egregiously holiday-themed product this year, this is not a bad one to choose (especially compared to Pringles Peppermint or whatever). Straight, it tastes a bit like sweet coffee made with ashes, but mix in some hot milk and by golly you got a nog goin’!

Plus, of all the ridiculous liquors I’ve gotten, this one seems to make the most sense, baking-wise. Why bother with nutmeg and cinnamon and actual ginger when you can just use a dollop of Kahlúa Gingerbread? Cut your prep time in half! Set it and forget it!

Kahlúa Gingerbread Gingerbread (Gingerbread^2) Cookies

Whisk together 3 cups flour, 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Or in a jar? These recipes always specify using a bowl, as if you’re going to throw these fine, powdery ingredients on a plate or on the griddle. Just mix them! You’re smart enough!

In another bowl, beat 6 Tbsp softened butter and 3/4 cups packed brown sugar (I used dark). Add 1 egg and beat until blended. Then add 1/4 cup dark molasses, 1/4 cup Kahlúa Gingerbread, and 1/2 Tbsp water. Little by little, beat in the flour mixture, until you can’t really beat it anymore and you have to turn it onto a floured surface and knead in the rest. If the 3 cups of flour wasn’t enough, knead in some more, until it’s juuuuust not sticky. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

After that, roll the dough out on your floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Then it’s time to cut things out! Use cookie cutters, cans, knives, whatever. Make fun shapes. This is the best part of your holiday. Savor it. Then put all those shapes on a cookie sheet and bake 11–15 minutes at 375.

They look pretty good! Icing will cover the lumps.

This is actually the most flavorful gingerbread cookie I can remember having, though maybe it’s just because I’ve now trained my taste buds to enjoy baked goods with a tang of alcohol. But no matter, because IT’S TIME TO DECORATE!

Make a dude wearing a thong!

Or a lady with a pearl necklace! (You decide if it’s the gross kind!)

Or maybe a woman who’s pregnant with Sour Patch Kids!

Or a nice duck!

Or Athena!

The possibilities are as endless as your candy supply, and if you’re like me and went to a Festivus party with a pinata, then that supply will be quite large.

Previously: Lemon Cookies With Bubblegum Vodka Glaze.

Jaya Saxena is excited to spend the holidays with her mother, who makes the world’s best non-alcoholic blondies. (Also Jaya Saxena just started a comic! :-O )