If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances warm spices and a touch of sweetness, this Ginger Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies come out soft, chewy, and packed with the cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual get-together, or a simple treat to brighten your day, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your home with the best aromas and delivers unforgettable taste with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ginger Cookies Recipe is all about simple, staple ingredients that work harmoniously together to create flavors that are anything but ordinary. Each component, from the flour to the spices, plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture, spice profile, and sweetness balance we all crave in ginger cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop a soft, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and complexity to the spice blend.
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice: A cozy mix that deepens the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: The star spice, giving the cookies their signature zing.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds depth and a subtle hint of sharpness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the spices.
- ¾ cup vegetable shortening: Keeps the cookies irresistibly soft and tender (see note below).
- 1 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling: Sweetens the dough and creates a glistening coating.
- 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses: Provides rich sweetness and that classic dark, robust flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a chewy texture.
How to Make Ginger Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, ready for that perfect golden finish.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, apple pie spice, ground ginger, ground cloves, and kosher salt. This spice blend is where the magic begins—it gives your ginger cookies their unforgettable warm and spicy character.
Step 3: Cream the Shortening
Using a hand mixer, beat the vegetable shortening for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy. This foundation is essential for creating that tender, soft texture that makes these ginger cookies stand out.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Beat
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the shortening, beating continuously for around 2 minutes until the mixture is well blended and slightly fluffy. This step helps incorporate air for lighter, more tender cookies while balancing the spices’ intensity.
Step 5: Incorporate Molasses and Egg
Mix in the molasses and egg, beating them together for 1 to 2 minutes until fully combined. The molasses brings that rich, caramelized flavor and beautiful dark color, while the egg adds moisture and structure.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredient blend all at once to the wet mixture. Use your mixer on low speed to blend just until the flour is moistened. Overmixing can cause tough cookies, so aim for a soft, cohesive dough.
Step 7: Shape Your Cookies
Take scoops of dough and roll them into 1½-inch balls. Then dip each ball into cold water and shake off the excess. This little trick helps the sugar stick better, creating that lovely crackled, sugary surface.
Step 8: Coat with Sugar and Arrange
Roll each wet dough ball in granulated sugar thoroughly. Place them on your prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart. This room allows the cookies to spread perfectly, giving them the ideal shape and texture.
Step 9: Bake Until Just Underbaked
Bake your cookies for 11 to 14 minutes. Remember, pull them out when they’re slightly underbaked in the center because they will continue to firm up as they cool. This results in a soft, chewy middle with that trademark snap on the outside.
Step 10: Cool on Racks
Immediately transfer the cookies from the hot baking sheet onto cooling racks. This step prevents them from overcooking on the hot pan and lets air circulate, maintaining the perfect texture.
How to Serve Ginger Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top after baking or add a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving. If you want to elevate presentation, a drizzle of white chocolate or a light spread of cream cheese frosting complements the spicy ginger perfectly.
Side Dishes
These ginger cookies are a dream alongside warm drinks like a chai latte, hot apple cider, or classic black tea. If you’re setting a dessert spread, serve them with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy treat that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies into a ginger cookie sandwich filled with honey buttercream or softened cream cheese frosting. You can also use them as a base for a dessert parfait, layered with spiced apples or poached pears and whipped cream for an impressive look and flavor combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your ginger cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for planning ahead or satisfying those midweek cravings.
Freezing
You can freeze the formed dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. For dough, freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed bag—bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm again, pop a few in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This simple step revives their soft texture and brings back that fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of vegetable shortening?
Absolutely! Butter will give your ginger cookies a richer flavor but can result in a slightly different texture—expect a crisper edge with a bit less chewiness.
What if I don’t have apple pie spice?
No worries. You can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, or simply increase the cinnamon slightly. The key is to keep the warm, cozy spice notes that play well with ginger.
Why do I dip the dough balls in water before rolling in sugar?
Dipping the dough balls in water helps the sugar stick much better, creating that classic crackled, sparkly exterior, which makes these ginger cookies so visually appealing and deliciously textured.
How thick should the cookies be before baking?
Rolling the dough into 1½-inch balls is ideal, as they spread nicely in the oven while maintaining a soft center and slightly crisp edge.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce and use a vegan shortening or coconut oil. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still deliver wonderful flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every bite, this Ginger Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple, rewarding, and brings joy through its perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these cookies will fill your kitchen with happiness and your heart with nostalgia. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to make some magic!
