Ginger Cookies
Looking for a cozy treat to brighten your day? Ginger cookies are the perfect solution. With their warm spices and chewy texture, they evoke the comfort of home baking and festive celebrations. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s dive into the delightful world of ginger cookies, where every bite is a hug in cookie form.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 120 calories, 5g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. This is for one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll in sugar.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative or substitute honey for molasses to give a different flavor profile. Also, vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free option.
Serving and Pairings
Ginger cookies are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also make a lovely accompaniment to vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Store ginger cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can be frozen for up to three months; just ensure they are well-wrapped. Reheat gently in the oven for a few minutes to restore their chewy texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold butter; ensure it’s softened for better mixing.
- Overbaking; cookies should be slightly soft when taken out.
- Not chilling the dough; this helps prevent spreading.
- Skipping the rolling in sugar; it adds sweetness and texture.
- Using too much flour; measure accurately for best results.
Helpful Tips
- For extra spice, add chopped crystalized ginger to the dough.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
- Experiment with adding nuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- Let the cookies cool completely for better flavor.
FAQs
Can I make ginger cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results.
How do I make my cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly and ensure not to overmix the dough. Adding an extra egg yolk can also help.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding nutmeg or cloves, which complement ginger beautifully.
What’s the best way to store cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag.
How can I make my cookies more flavorful?
Consider adding zest from an orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing twist. It elevates the flavor profile significantly.
Conclusion
Ginger cookies are not only a classic treat but also a comforting indulgence that evokes warm memories. With their perfect balance of spice and sweetness, they are ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during quiet moments at home. Try this recipe, and let the delightful aroma fill your kitchen!
Ginger Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
