December Recipe of the Month: Holiday Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Jackson Salamunovich • December 6, 2024
Holiday Spiced Gingerbread Cookies the AMSI Way
The holiday season is the perfect time to fill your home with the warm, spiced aromas of baking. These Holiday Spiced Gingerbread Cookies are a timeless classic, combining the rich flavors of molasses and seasonal spices with the joy of decorating. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting, these cookies bring the festive spirit to life in every bite. Get ready to roll out some holiday cheer!
Ingredients
- Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside. - Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. - Combine and Chill
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). - Preheat and Roll Out
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use holiday-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. - Bake
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. - Decorate
Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make the icing. Add food coloring if desired. Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and let them set.
Tips for Success
- For softer cookies, roll the dough slightly thicker and bake for 8 minutes.
- For a crispier texture, roll thinner and bake closer to 10 minutes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
These gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating with family and friends or gifting during the holidays. Their warm spices and festive shapes will bring holiday cheer to any gathering! 🎄🍪
*Rendering © Bjarke Ingels Group* Updated plans have been released for 35 South Second Street in Downtown San Jose, a mixed-use development designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) . The project, referred to as the Fountain Alley development , is scheduled for review by the San Jose Planning Director and reflects a shift from an earlier office-and-housing proposal to a predominantly residential program. Project Overview The revised plans call for two residential towers, rising 27 and 28 stories , with a total of 768 apartments and ground-floor retail. The development is part of a broader downtown San Jose master plan led by Westbank and Urban Community , which includes multiple residential and mixed-use sites throughout the city. The project will span approximately 831,600 square feet , including residential units, ground-floor retail, and basement parking. Bicycle parking is planned for 417 spaces, with vehicular parking located in a multi-level subterranean garage. Change in Use Earlier versions of the project included a stronger emphasis on office space. The updated proposal reflects a reconfiguration toward residential use, consistent with other recent revisions within the larger Westbank and Urban Community portfolio in downtown San Jose. A related site at 180 Park Avenue began demolition and excavation in 2022, though work was paused due to an archaeological discovery. Recent reporting indicates that plans for that site have also been revised to focus on residential units rather than office development. Design and Site Details BIG is serving as the project architect, with Bionic as the landscape architect. Renderings show residential towers with balconies, integrated landscaping, and a pedestrian-oriented plaza connecting South Second Street with surrounding streets. Exterior materials are expected to include aluminum, terracotta-toned glass-fiber-reinforced concrete, and curtainwall glass. The development site occupies approximately 1.25 acres along South Second Street, between Santa Clara Street and San Fernando Street, near the Bank of Italy Tower. Housing Mix and Affordability The project is proposed to include: 177 studios 413 one-bedroom units 152 two-bedroom units 26 three-bedroom units Approximately 5% of the units will be deed-restricted for very low-income households, utilizing California’s State Density Bonus law . Next Steps The project is scheduled for review at a Planning Director Hearing on Wednesday, December 17 , to be held virtually via Zoom with opportunities for public comment. Read more and see renderings here ➡ SF YIMBY
New data from RentCafe shows rising competition across San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the East Bay, with the region’s expanding artificial intelligence sector , tech hiring, and return-to-office trends contributing to stronger rental demand in 2025. Silicon Valley Leads the Region in Rental Demand Silicon Valley recorded the fastest leasing pace in the Bay Area, with apartments renting in an average of 36 days. Comparatively: San Francisco: 42 days East Bay: 44 days Silicon Valley also had the region’s highest occupancy rate at 95.5% , followed by: San Francisco: 94.6% East Bay: 94.1% Applicant demand reflects a competitive landscape shaped in part by continued AI industry expansion: Silicon Valley: 13 applicants per unit San Francisco: 11 applicants East Bay: 10 applicants Slow Construction and High-Tech Job Growth Intensify Competition Apartment inventory growth remains limited throughout the Bay Area: San Francisco: 1.43% growth East Bay: 1.63% Silicon Valley: 2.45% RentCafe notes that reduced construction activity, combined with strong demand generated by AI startups , machine-learning companies , and major tech employers expanding teams , is contributing to a tighter rental market. More Renters Staying in Place Lease renewal rates increased across the region: Silicon Valley: 56.3% East Bay: 52.6% San Francisco: 49.6% Higher renewal rates mean fewer units entering the market — a pressure point amplified by Bay Area job growth in artificial intelligence , software engineering , and cloud computing sectors . Bay Area Performance in National Rankings RentCafe’s 2025 national report shows: Silicon Valley ranked 13th hottest rental market in the U.S. San Francisco ranked No. 42 , up 23 spots from 2024. East Bay ranked No. 53 , up two spots. San Francisco was also identified as the second fastest-rising rental market nationwide, driven by increasing demand from tech and AI professionals , expanding AI research hubs, and larger in-office presence across major employers. How RentCafe Defines the Bay Area Regions San Francisco Region: San Mateo, Redwood City, San Rafael, Petaluma East Bay: Oakland, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Vacaville Silicon Valley: Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose Read more about the rental demand here!
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