The Science Of Gingerbread – Discovery Science Center

At the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, CA, they are currently featuring the science of gingerbread as their holiday exhibit. We took the kids today and they loved it. The exhibit is very hands on and features everything from cookie decorating stations , gingerbread house designs, “A Matter of Taste” weekend stage show which explores the bitter, sour, salty and sweet sides of flavor and a good old fashioned arts and crafts station that of course is gingerbread themed. Once you get past the initial taco bell smell you will be delighted by the fragrant aroma of fresh baked gingerbread.

Here is the science center’s favorite recipe:

Ingredients:

3 Cups All Purpose Flour
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
3/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
2/3 Cup Molasses
2 Teaspoons Ground Ginger
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1/2 Cup Granulated White Sugar
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature)
1 Large Egg
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves

Directions:

In a large bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and spices. Set aside. In the bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (an electric mixer works best). Add the egg and molasses and beat until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture beating until incorporated.

Divide the dough in half, and wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place rack in center of oven. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside while you roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a gingerbread cutter to cut out the cookies. With a spatula, lift the cookies onto the baking sheet, placing the cookies about 1 inch apart.

Bake for about 8 – 12 minutes depending on the size of the cookies. They are done when they are firm and the edges are just beginning to brown.

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