Description
These Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger are a delightful treat combining zesty orange flavor with the spicy warmth of crystallized ginger. Soft yet slightly crisp around the edges, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a pleasant chewy texture. Ideal for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a fresh twist on classic cookies.
Ingredients
Basic Cookie Dough
- 1 portion (370g) Basic Cookie Dough Recipe
Additional Ingredients
- 3 ounces (85g) crystallized ginger, finely diced
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 tablespoons white coarse sanding sugar
Instructions
- Make the Dough Log: Break the basic cookie dough into pieces and place them into a mixing bowl. Let the dough sit and soften slightly to make mixing easier without overworking it.
- Add Flavorings: Add the finely diced crystallized ginger and the zest of one orange to the dough. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly incorporate these ingredients without overhandling the dough, ensuring a tender texture.
- Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a smooth, even log approximately 7 inches long and 2 inches wide. This shape will make slicing uniform cookie rounds easier after chilling.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours. This step is essential to achieve clean slices and maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Slice and Coat: Unwrap the chilled dough log and cut it into ⅜-inch thick rounds. Roll the edges of each cookie slice in the white coarse sanding sugar to add a sparkling, sweet crust.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the sugar-coated cookie rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers turn a light golden color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the dough after adding ginger and orange zest to keep cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough log is crucial for obtaining neat slices and maintaining cookie shape.
- Use coarse sanding sugar to add a decorative sparkle and slight crunch around cookie edges.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For extra orange flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange extract to the dough if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
