Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both sophisticated and satisfying? Look no further than these dark chocolate and ginger cookies! This easy recipe delivers a delightful balance of spicy ginger and rich dark chocolate, perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings. These homemade cookies are surprisingly quick to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking sessions. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (70% cacao or higher recommended)
- Optional: ½ cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step, but you can also achieve a good result with vigorous hand mixing.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
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Gradually Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Stir in Chocolate and Ginger (optional): Fold in the dark chocolate chunks and crystallized ginger (if using).
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Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Dark Chocolate Ginger Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. If it's too cold, the cookies will be tough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to your liking.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies with crispier edges, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
- White Chocolate Swirl: Use white chocolate chips instead of or in addition to dark chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on chocolate and additions)
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These dark chocolate and ginger cookies are a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and comforting flavors of this easy and healthy recipe! They're a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or simply a delightful homemade snack. They're amongst the best recipes for satisfying a sweet craving while still feeling good about your food choices.