Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

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Indulge in a burst of flavor with these Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies. Combining the citrusy tang of fresh oranges with the warmth of ginger and aromatic spices, these cookies offer a delightful sensory experience with every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting treat on a chilly evening or a unique addition to your holiday dessert spread, these cookies are sure to impress. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the simple steps to create these irresistible delights.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Mix in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and molasses until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
7. Fold in the finely chopped crystallized ginger until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Place some additional granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, then roll each ball in the granulated sugar until coated.
9. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
11. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, store the Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried ginger instead of crystallized ginger?

While dried ginger can add some flavor, it won’t provide the same texture and intensity as crystallized ginger. If you don’t have crystallized ginger on hand, you can try increasing the amount of ground ginger in the recipe for a similar flavor profile.

2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I substitute orange juice with lemon juice?

While orange juice adds a unique flavor to these cookies, you can substitute it with lemon juice if needed. Keep in mind that lemon juice will impart a slightly different citrus flavor to the cookies, but they will still be delicious.