Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's bursting with flavor? Look no further than these delightful fresh ginger cookies! This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, delivering a homemade taste that's far superior to anything store-bought. These chewy, spicy cookies are ideal for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a little pick-me-up. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (about a 1-inch piece)
- Optional: ½ cup crystallized ginger, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can achieve similar results with a good amount of elbow grease and a sturdy whisk.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and freshly grated ginger.
Step 4: Gradually Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. If using crystallized ginger, stir it in now.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Flatten the Cookies (Optional)
Lightly flatten each ball with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern if desired.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.
Step 9: 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 Ginger Cookies:
- Use Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger provides the best flavor and aroma.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and achieving the desired texture.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
Variations:
- Chocolate Ginger Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Citrus Ginger Cookies: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough.
- Glazed Ginger Cookies: Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 Fat: 5-7g Sugar: 10-12g
Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make fresh ginger cookies! They're a perfect treat for any occasion. Remember to share them with friends and family – they’ll thank you for it!