Festive Buckwheat or Spelt Christmas Spice Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups Health Enhanced Foods Buckwheat or Spelt Baking Mix
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons molasses (or maple syrup for a milder flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting or icing for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the Buckwheat or Spelt Baking Mix, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

5. Shape the Cookies:
   Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your palm or the back of a spoon.

6. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Decorate:
   Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or decorate with icing for a festive touch.