Ginger Cookies
Indulge in the warmth and spice of ginger cookies. Perfectly chewy and bursting with flavor, these cookies are a delightful treat for any time of year. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a snack on their own, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. With a blend of warm spices and a hint of sweetness, these ginger cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cookie): approximately 120 calories, 6g fat, 15g carbohydrates, 1g protein. Note: values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy your freshly baked ginger cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of butter and flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of the egg.
Serving and Pairings
These ginger cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in a decorative tin, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Storage and Reheating
Store ginger cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Using cold butter can prevent proper creaming; ensure it’s softened.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately may affect the texture.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven cookies.
- Skipping the chilling step may yield flatter cookies.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add chopped candied ginger to the dough.
- Cool cookies completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg for a unique twist.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and even baking.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check the flour blend for proper binding agents.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies are done when the edges are golden brown. They may seem soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips can complement the spiced flavor of the ginger cookies. Just fold them into the dough before baking.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, ginger cookies can stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature.
Conclusion
Ginger cookies are a delightful treat that combines warm spices with a chewy texture, making them the perfect snack for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ginger Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy your freshly baked ginger cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
