Mint Gingerbread Tree
8 servings
120 minutes
Mint gingerbread tree is a festive wonder filled with the aromas of winter spices and fresh mint. This exquisite dessert embodies the traditions of Russian cuisine, combining the softness of honey-ginger dough with a refreshing hint of mint glaze. The layers soaked in fragrant spices create a harmony of flavors, while the airy meringue glaze with mint freshness gives the sweetness an unusual character. Every detail is carefully thought out: delicate star layers are arranged into an elegant tree adorned with powdered sugar, resembling a snow-covered forest. Such a dessert not only pleases the eye but also becomes the centerpiece of the festive table, filling the atmosphere with coziness and magic.
1
In a bowl, melt the butter, add honey, 2/3 of the sugar and stir without removing from heat until all the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture cool slightly and add the yolks of 2 eggs.
- Butter: 100 g
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Cane sugar: 60 g
- Chicken egg: 2 pieces
2
In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients with spices and sift several times. Then combine everything with the oily mixture and gently knead the dough, which should be placed in the refrigerator for half an hour, or even better - for an hour.
- Wheat flour: 200 g
- Vanilla pod: 1 piece
- Grated ginger: 0.8 teaspoon
- Salt: pinch
- Carnation: 2 pieces
- Slaked soda: 0.5 teaspoon
3
While the dough rests, we prepare the mint glaze. Whip the chilled egg whites into a stiff foam, adding lemon juice or a pinch of salt. For flavor and color, add blended fresh mint and the remaining sugar (mint extract and a drop of green food coloring can also be used).
- Fresh mint: 10 g
- Cane sugar: 60 g
4
Roll the dough to a thickness of 0.5–0.7 mm and cut out star shapes of different diameters. Bake for about 7–10 minutes, keeping an eye on the oven. Let the finished cookies cool on a rack.
- Wheat flour: 200 g
5
We are decorating the Christmas tree! We decorate the finished cookies with mint glaze and confectionery sprinkles, then starting from the largest one, we thread them onto a wooden skewer with the sharp end up. A star made of colored marzipan or the same cookie with berry glaze can be placed on top of the tree. To imitate snow, we sprinkle powdered sugar through a sieve.
- Fresh mint: 10 g
- Cane sugar: 60 g