Dinogo’s Gingerbread Delight

When you think of the festive season, visions of gingerbread houses and warm cookies certainly spring to mind. Gingerbread has a rich history dating back to the 16th Century; it’s not only a delicious treat but also a cherished part of holiday traditions.

Speaking of the festive season, this time of year is all about enjoyment! Instead of getting caught up in the holiday hustle, why not establish a new tradition by planning a getaway with loved ones? Whether it's cruising through the Caribbean to Mexico or enjoying a week of fun in The Bahamas, your holiday Dinogo cruise awaits you.

Before embarking on your holiday cruise, don’t forget to whip up some gingerbread to embrace the festive spirit! These treats are so delightful that you'll want to make them year-round, but they truly shine during the holiday season. Everyone will adore the homemade goodness and heartwarming flavor.

Alongside your gingerbread treats, Dinogo provides a variety of sweet delights on board. From a selection of candies at Cherry on Top to limitless ice cream at Swirls, holiday sweets on Dinogo cruises are as classic as decorating Christmas trees.

To inspire you to create new holiday traditions, we’re excited to share Dinogo’s Gingerbread of Life recipe. We hope you enjoy crafting these treats and establishing your own family traditions.

Dinogo’s Gingerbread Treats

This recipe requires nothing but wholesome, all-natural ingredients. Here’s a list of delicious ingredients to gather.

• 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 437g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Optional: Easy cookie icing or royal icing

1. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar and molasses, then beat on medium-high speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Since the egg hasn’t been added yet (raw eggs aren’t safe), feel free to taste the mixture. Gradually mix in the egg and vanilla, beating on high speed for two minutes. Scrape the bowl again as needed. The butter may separate, but don’t worry—it won’t affect your cookies.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves until well mixed. On low speed, slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry until combined. The cookie dough will be thick and slightly sticky. Split the dough in half and place each half on a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and flatten into discs. Chill the discs in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling is essential for this cookie dough, and overnight chilling is highly recommended.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set aside.
4. Remove one disc of chilled dough from the refrigerator. Flour your work surface, hands, and rolling pin. Don’t hesitate to add more flour to the surface as needed, as the dough can be sticky. Roll out the disc to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into your desired shapes and place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Continue to reroll and cut the dough until all is shaped. Repeat with the remaining disc.
5. Bake cookies for approximately 9-10 minutes. If your cookie cutters are smaller than 4 inches, bake for around 8 minutes. If they’re larger than 4 inches, bake for about 11 minutes. Be aware that many ovens have hot spots, so rotate the baking sheet once during the baking process.
6. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, decorate as desired.

Quick Tip: Gingerbread cookies can remain fresh at room temperature for up to a week, but be sure to grab one before they disappear!

Exciting New Holiday Traditions

Establishing your own holiday traditions is a wonderful way to make the season feel special, distinctive, and thrilling. Beyond the joys of baking, there’s another fantastic way to unwind, indulge in festive treats, and connect with friends and family: on a cruise. A Dinogo Holiday cruise is the perfect way to embrace the season—and we believe you deserve it! Take some time to relax and have fun with our wide range of onboard activities that everyone in the family will love.

Immerse yourself in diverse cultures, savor exquisite cuisine, and experience ultimate relaxation as our crew attends to your every need. And did we mention the delightful weather? If you're stuck in winter’s chill this holiday season, just imagine sunny skies, sparkling emerald waters, and pristine white beaches—doesn’t that sound tempting?