The Coupon Challenge

Hampton Roads (Virginia) Coupon Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
  • Coupons 101
    • Couponing Basics
    • Stock-up Price Guide
    • Printable Coupon Planner
  • Shop Smart
    • Amazon Deals
    • Retail Deals
    • Freebies >>
      • Birthday Freebies
      • Free eBooks
  • Find Coupons
    • Coupon Database
    • Printable Coupons >>
      • Coupons.com
      • RedPlum.com
      • SmartSource.com
      • Hopster.com
  • Frugal Living
    • Budgeting 101
    • Eliminate Debt & Curb Spending
    • How to Save Money at…
    • “Other Uses” Articles
    • Crafts
  • Recipes

Recipes

Soft Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

by Dana Zeliff on December 10, 20132013-12-10
in Gingerbread, Recipes

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link.

SONY DSC

If you are like me and you want your gingerbread cookies soft instead of crunchy, this is this Soft Gingerbread Cookie Recipe is perfect for you.  Soft and spicy, these cookies will please kids and kids at heart. I have included a simple icing recipe to decorate these cute little guys – use it by itself or as a “glue” to attach small candies for decorations.

Grab your cookie cutters and meet me in the kitchen for a baking fest! The little ones love to help cut out shapes and decorate too.

Soft Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

6 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups molasses
1 cup dark brown sugar
½ cup water
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 Tbsp. ginger
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. Salt

Directions:

SONY DSC

  1. Stir all wet ingredients together in a large bowl.SONY DSC
  2. In separate bowl combine all dry ingredients together.SONY DSC
  3. Stir wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Cover
  4. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight.
  5. Remove from refrigerator and divide dough in half, place one half back in refrigerator while you work with the other.
  6. Working quickly (one of the keys to keep cookies from spreading into unrecognizable shapes is to keep dough cold) roll dough on a floured surface to 1/4” to 1/2” thick.SONY DSC
  7. Cut out your chosen gingerbread shape(s).SONY DSC
  8. Move cookies carefully to an un-greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
  9. Allow cookies to cool on pan for 2 minutes and then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.SONY DSC
  10. Once cookies have completely cooled they are ready for icing.

Tips for best results –

  • Keep your dough cold
  • Roll dough to closer to 1/2” , they keep shape better when a little thicker
  • Avoid putting cookies on a hot sheet to bake
  • Allow to cool completely before icing

Perfect Gingerbread Icing:

1 stick butter
2 tsp. Vanilla
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk.

Mix all ingredients well until smooth and free of lumps. Place in a pasty bag, squirt bottle or for easy clean up -transfer icing to a ziplock, seal bag, snip very small piece of corner off and use like a pasty bag, squeezing icing out as you go. Throw away when done-my favorite clean up method!

What do you think? Soft Gingerbread Cookie Recipe or crunchy?

See more Gingerbread Cookie Recipe and Gingerbread Recipes!

You might also like:

  • Gingerbread Activities
  • Christmas Gingerbread Cookies
  • Vegan Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
  • Recipe for Gingerbread Cookies in a Jar
  • Gingerbread Man Candy Dish

1 Comment

Filed Under: Gingerbread, Recipes Tagged With: Christmas, Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

{Virgin} White Sangria Recipes

by Dana Zeliff on December 4, 20132013-12-04
in Cranberry, Recipes

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link.

Virgin Winter Sangria

I’ve loved entertaining for a long time, but normally I focus on the food. Recently, I’ve started working more on having something fun to drink as well. This festive kid-friendly white sangria recipes is perfect for gatherings big and small during the holiday season {and after}. The flavors are also great for grownups and kids alike. The warm cinnamon mixes with the sweetness of the fruit. And yes, I’ll be the girl picking all the fruit out of her cup with her fingers…

White Sangria Recipes Ingredients

Ingredients
2 1/2 Cups Apple Juice
1 1/2 Cups Sparkling Water
1 pear chopped (or 1/2 each green + red anjous)
1/2 Cup cranberries
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick

White Sangria Recipes Process

Directions
Chop fruit and combine with cranberries and cinnamon stick in bottom of pitcher. Combine liquid and cinnamon. Pour over fruit. Stir well. Chill for a few hours or overnight. Stir again.

Enjoy and feel free to share more white sangria recipes with us!

Virgin Sangria Recipe

Hosting an adults only party?  Try this alcohol version of Winter Sangria as well!

Like cranberries?  Try my Cranberry Pound Cake

Many thanks to Luci with Luci’s Morsels for sharing this recipe with us!  Head on over to her site to take a peek at her other recipes and fashion tips!

3 comments

Filed Under: Cranberry, Recipes Tagged With: Christmas

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

by Dana Zeliff on November 23, 20132013-11-23
in Gingerbread, Recipes

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link.

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

With the cooler temperatures and the holidays around the corner it is time to start thinking of those traditional classic baked goods, candies and treats. When striving to stay on a Vegan diet it can seem like none of your childhood favorites are possible, but here is one easy to create and delicious exception in these Vegan Gingerbread Cookies.

Not only do they give you the traditional flavor of gingerbread but they also allow you to stay within your dietary restrictions. These easy and tasty cookies are sure to become a household favorite for years to come.

Vegan Ginger Cookie Ingredients Edited

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

2 Cups Almond Flour
1 Cup Vegan Granulated Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
2 Tablespoons Ground Ginger
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
1/4 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
1/4 Vanilla Almond Milk

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl sift together flour, salt, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl blend together sugar, coconut oil, maple syrup and almond milk until well blended.
  3. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet until well mixed.
  4. Lightly flour clean surface and roll dough out. The thinner dough will result in a crispy cookie,
  5. Thicker dough will result in a chewy cookie. Dough will be slightly wet/sticky so you may need to spray rolling pin with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.Vegan Ginger Cookie Prep
  6. Cut into desired shape and lift onto ungreased cookie sheet.
  7. Bake for 7-8 minutes at 350 degrees.

These cookies are an excellent cookie jar favorite for the holiday season but are light enough to have year round for the entire family.

Although the recipe uses almond flour and almond milk, it has been made with traditional all-purpose flour and wheat flour with great results. Rice flour did not produce the preferred texture, so I do not recommend it as a substitute if you are also looking for gluten free cookies. Enjoy these Vegan Gingerbread Cookies with your favorite warm winter beverage today!

See more Gingerbread Cookie Recipe and Gingerbread Recipes!

1 Comment

Filed Under: Gingerbread, Recipes Tagged With: Christmas, Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Christmas Gingerbread Cookies

by Dana Zeliff on November 22, 20132013-11-22
in Gingerbread, Recipes

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link.

Christmas Gingerbread Cookies

Are you looking for a great Christmas Gingerbread Cookies recipe?  You can make super cute Gingerbread Men or Women or use other Christmas cookie cutter shapes such as a bell, tree or even a candy cane!  This recipe is sure to be a huge hit.

Christmas Gingerbread Cookies Ingredients

Christmas Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:
1 package Butterscotch Pudding (cook and serve)
1/2 cup Butter
1/2 cup packed Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1 1/2 cup Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 1/2 tsp Ginger
1 tsp Cinnamon
Icing Ingredients:
1 Egg Whites
1/4 tsp Vanilla
1 cup Powdered Sugar

Directions:

  1. Combine flour, baking soda, ginger and cinnamon and set aside.
  2. Cream butterscotch pudding mix, butter and brown sugar.
  3. Add egg and mix.
  4. Add in flour mixture and mix until just combined.
  5. Cover and chill dough for about an hour until firm.
  6. Divide mixture in half, place one half Wrapped back in refrigerator.
  7. Prepare baking sheets with cooking spray or parchment paper.
  8. Flour work area and rolling pin and roll out dough to 1/8″ thickness.Christmas Gingerbread Cookies Cutter
  9. Cut out with cookie cutter and remove scraps.
  10. Transfer cookies to baking sheets using spatula. Leave several inches between cookies.
  11. Roll scrap dough and cut remaining cookies.
  12. Bake in 350 degree oven about 10 minutes (watch for edges to begin to turn lightly brown).Christmas Gingerbread Cookies Shape
  13. Leave on cookie sheet for several minutes before moving to cooling rack.
  14. Combine the egg whites and vanilla and beat until bubbly.
  15. Add powdered sugar gradually and mix until all sugar is incorporated.
  16. Beat on high until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.
  17. Transfer icing to pastry bag.
  18. Pipe the line pattern on cookies.
  19. Wait at least several hours for icing to set.
  20. Enjoy!

Christmas Gingerbread Cookies can be made in many shapes.  Which did you pick?

See more Gingerbread Cookie Recipe and Gingerbread Recipes!

1 Comment

Filed Under: Gingerbread, Recipes Tagged With: Christmas, Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Recipe {Jar Gift Idea}

by Dana Zeliff on November 21, 20132013-11-21
in Gingerbread, Recipes

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link.

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Recipe

Exfoliate your skin with this Gingerbread Sugar Scrub recipe.  Sugar makes an excellent scrub and is a budget friendly alternative to those store bought scrubs.    Get into the holiday spirit by making this Gingerbread Sugar Scrub and giving it as gifts.

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Ingredients

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1/2 tsp Almond
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp All Spice
1/2 tsp Ginger
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp vitamin E oil (optional)

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl combine all ingredients except the Coconut Oil.Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Process
  2. Gradually add Coconut Oil and stir.
  3. Place Mixture in Jar.
  4. If using as a gift, add this FREE Gingerbread Sugar Scrub PDF Printable Label to the front of the jar and a ribbon.

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub will make a great holiday gift.  You can make several at one time and gift them to teachers, friends and family.  You’re gift will not only be thoughtful and  homemade, it will be budget friendly!

Have you ever tried a Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Recipe?

See more Gingerbread Cookie Recipe and Gingerbread Recipes!

2 comments

Filed Under: Gingerbread, Recipes Tagged With: Christmas, Gingerbread Recipes

White & Blue Snowflake Cookies Recipe

by Dana Zeliff on November 14, 20132013-11-14
in Recipes

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link.

Snowflake Cookies

These White & Blue Snowflake Cookies will make a gorgeous addition to any holiday table.  While a little bit of work is involved, they will be worth it in the end.

Snowflake Ingrediants

INGREDIENTS
3 cup Flour
3/4 tsp Baking Powder
1 cup softened Butter
1 cup Sugar
1 Egg
1 tbsp Milk
ICING INGREDIENTS
3 Egg Whites
1 tsp Vanilla
4 cup Powdered Sugar
Blue Food Coloring

DIRECTIONS

  1. Combine dry ingredients and set aside
  2. Cream butter and sugar.
  3. Add beaten egg and milk.
  4. Gradually add in flour.
  5. Divide mixture in half, place one half in plastic bag in refrigerator.
  6. Place remaining dough between parchment paper and roll to uniform 1/4″ thick and place in refrigerator to chill.
  7. Cut out snowflakes using your Wilton Snowflake Cutter and transfer to parchment coated cookie sheet.
  8. Gather and reroll remaining dough between parchment paper and roll to uniform 1/4″ thick and place in refrigerator to chill…
  9. Bake in 375 degree oven about 7-8 minutes (watch for edges to begin to turn lightly brown).
  10. Leave on cookie sheet for several minutes before moving to cooling rack.
  11. Combine the egg whites and vanilla and beat until bubbly.
  12. Add powdered sugar gradually and mix until all sugar is incorporated.
  13. Beat on high until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.
  14. Transfer 1/3 of icing to pastry bag.
  15. Transfer 1/3 of icing to squeeze bottle and add 2 tbsp water to dilute.
  16. Add blue food color to remaining icing and mix until color is evenly blended.Snowflake Icing
  17. Use white icing in bag and pipe outline of snowflake on eack cookie.
  18. Wait at least several hours for icing to set.
  19. Using diluted white icing carefully spread on to cookies to fill in the snowflake. use a small blunt object to help spread the icing close to the outline.
  20. Wait at least several hours for icing to set.
  21. Transfer blue icing to pastry bag.
  22. Pipe the line pattern on cookies.
  23. Wait at least several hours for icing to set.

Snowflake Cookie Recipe Collage

Looking for more recipes? You may also like my Super Cute Rudolph Truffles as well! 

1 Comment

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: Christmas

Rudolph Cookie Pops for Christmas

by Dana Zeliff on November 11, 20132013-11-11
in Recipes

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link.

Rudolph Cookie Pops

How stinking cute are these Rudolph Cookie Pops? They will be awesome for any Holiday school party or event!

If you don’t already have one, you may consider purchasing the Wilton 2105-0271 Round Pops Cookie Pan from Amazon to make this a bit easier.

Rudolph Cookie Pops Ingrediemts

Cookie Ingredients:

1 cup softened Butter
1 1/2 cup Sugar
1 Egg
2 tsp Vanilla
2 3/4 cup Flour
2 tsp Baking Soda
12 long Lollipop Stocks

Glaze Ingredients:

2 cup Powdered Sugar
2 tbsp Milk
2 tbsp Corn Syrup
Food Coloring

Decoration Ingredients:

24 Chocolate covered Pretzels
24 White M&M Candy Corn pieces
12 Red Spice Drops

Directions:

  1. Cream butter and sugar.
  2. Add egg and vanilla and continue beating.
  3. Mix dry ingredients together and incorporate into wet mixture a litlle at a time.
  4. Press dough into Wilton Round Pops Cookie pan, filling each about 3/4 full.
  5. Press stick into each cookie.
  6. Add additional dough on back as needed to cover stick.
  7. Bake in 400 oven 13 minutes or until lightly brown around edges.
  8. Let cookie sit in pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edge of each pop to loosen.
  9. Cool on a wire rack.
  10. Mix powdered sugar corn syrup and milk to make glaze.
  11. Transfer a small amount of glaze (enough to draw mouths on each reindeer) to a small bowl and add red food color.
  12. Add red, yellow, and blue to remaining glaze to make brown.
  13. Fill in face of pop in brown glaze and allow to set at least 30 minutes.
  14. Press Pretzel antlers in place.
  15. Press Red Spice Drop nose and white M&M eyes in place.
  16. Take a toothpick and dip in brown glaze and dot pupils on eyes.
  17. Allow to set for at least an hour.
  18. Transfer red glaze to small zipper bag and clip corner to pipe mouths.
  19. Allow to set at least 1 hour before serving.

You can get the kids involved by letting them mix ingredients, press the dough into the mold, inserting the pop stick and decorating the cooled cookie.

(Yields approx 12 pops)

You might also like these Rudolph Truffles

No Comments

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: Christmas


BGt

Shop Amazon

Let’s Cook








Categories

Join Me on Pinterest!

About The Coupon Challenge

Hi! I'm Dana, the writer behind the scenes of The Coupon Challenge, a Hampton Roads, VA based coupon blog. I'm a wife and mother of 2. After getting out of debt we started using our savings to travel together as a family and create memories.

Are you looking for ways to save your family money? I strive to help you save on the products you need, so you can spend more on the things you want. Read More about Dana & Family

Best of…

:: Weight Watchers Banana Bread Recipe
:: 16 Other Uses for Listerine
:: Quick Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe
:: Busch Gardens Williamsburg Discount Tickets
:: Yankee Candle Printable Coupons
:: Printable Snack Coupons

Copyright 2015 The Coupon Challenge. All Rights Reserved.

Proudly Hosted by WP Covered using the Genesis framework.
Disclosure & Privacy Policy