These spiced ginger cookies are a holiday classic, perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, they evoke the festive spirit of Christmas.
This recipe is simple and can be easily customized with icing or sprinkles for decoration. Enjoy baking these delightful treats during the holiday season.
Festive Appeal of Spiced Ginger Cookies
Spiced ginger cookies embody the essence of the holiday season. Their golden-brown hue and slightly cracked surface hint at the delightful chewy texture within.
These cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around and enjoy the festive spirit.
Arranged beautifully on a plate and dusted with granulated sugar, these cookies become a centerpiece for holiday gatherings. The surrounding decorations, such as pine branches and ornaments, enhance their charm, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Simple Preparation for a Holiday Classic
Making spiced ginger cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can master. With just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can create a batch of these delightful treats.
The preparation begins with mixing the dry ingredients, which include flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt. This blend sets the foundation for the cookies’ distinctive flavor profile.
Next, the softened butter and brown sugar are creamed together until light and fluffy, creating a rich base that complements the spices. Adding molasses, an egg, and vanilla extract brings everything together, resulting in a smooth dough ready for shaping.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Once the dough is prepared, the fun begins with shaping the cookies. Rolling the dough into 1-inch balls and coating them in granulated sugar not only adds sweetness but also creates a beautiful finish.
When placed on a baking sheet, the cookies spread slightly, allowing for a perfect balance of chewy centers and crisp edges. Baking them at 350°F for 8-10 minutes ensures they are just right, with the tops slightly cracked and the edges set.
After baking, it’s essential to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps maintain their texture and flavor, making them even more enjoyable.
Customizing Your Ginger Cookies
While the classic version of spiced ginger cookies is delightful on its own, there are numerous ways to customize them.
Consider adding icing or sprinkles for a festive touch. A simple glaze can enhance the visual appeal and add a sweet contrast to the spiced flavors.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, incorporating chopped nuts or chocolate chips can elevate the cookie experience. Each variation offers a unique twist while still honoring the traditional recipe.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Spiced ginger cookies are perfect for various occasions, from holiday parties to cozy family gatherings. They pair wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, tea, or spiced cider.
Serving them alongside a cheese platter can also create an interesting flavor combination, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with savory notes.
These cookies also make excellent gifts. Packaged in decorative boxes or tins, they can be shared with friends and family, spreading holiday cheer.
Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies
To keep your spiced ginger cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several days, maintaining their chewy texture and flavor.
If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing the cookies. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to savor the taste of the holidays even after the season has passed.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or after a few days, these cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to any gathering.
Easy Spiced Ginger Cookies Recipe
These ginger cookies are soft and chewy, infused with a blend of spices and sweetened with molasses. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, yielding around 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g