Are you craving the comforting aroma of warm spices and the delightful crunch of a perfectly baked cookie? Then look no further! This ginger spice cookie recipe is your ticket to a delicious and easy homemade treat. Perfect for cozy nights in, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe offers a delightful balance of spice and sweetness, making it a truly irresistible addition to your baking repertoire. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped crystallized ginger or candied ginger
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and chewy cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Add Optional Ginger
If using, gently fold in the chopped crystallized or candied ginger.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld.
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: 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.
Step 8: 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 Spice Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill Time Matters: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and enhancing flavor.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of each spice to your liking.
Variations:
- Chocolate Ginger Spice Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Glazed Ginger Spice Cookies: Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Spiced Pecan Ginger Spice Cookies: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Protein: 2-3g
These delicious ginger spice cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of these homemade delights! They're a simple and rewarding baking project for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Share your baking creations with friends and family and enjoy the sweet aroma filling your home.