Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

A delightful treat for any occasion, Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies combine the warmth of spices with the refreshing zing of orange zest. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or as a unique gift for friends and family. Their crunchy edges and chewy centers make them irresistible, while the balance of ginger and orange flavors sets them apart from ordinary cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and orange zest creates a unique taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday party, or just a snack at home, these cookies fit every moment.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Pair them with your favorite tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Great for Gifting: Package these cookies nicely to create a heartfelt gift that friends and family will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a light texture.
• Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet promotes even baking, preventing burnt edges.
• Parchment paper: It keeps cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

A luscious combination of crunchy edges and a moist, chewy centre, this delectable cookie melds the spices of ginger and cinnamon with orange zest.

Ingredients:
– 170 g (6 oz or 1 1/2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
– 150 g (6 oz or 3/4 c) granulated sugar
– 50 g (2 oz or 1/4 c) brown sugar
– 1 egg
– 80 g (2 oz or 1/4 c) molasses
– 4 tsp grated orange zest (rind from one large orange)
– 12 g (15 ml or 1 tbsp) grated gingerroot
– 240 g (16 oz or 2 c) all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 55 g (2 oz or 1/4 c) crystallized ginger, roughly chopped

How to Make Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, mixing until well combined.
3. Incorporate the molasses, orange zest, and gingerroot. Mix until everything is smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture in two portions.
3. Beat well after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until firm.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Once chilled:
1. Take small portions of dough and shape them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Place a small piece of candied ginger in the center of each ball.
3. Arrange them on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 12–15 minutes or until edges are firm but centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on wire racks before serving.

How to Serve Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

These Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a cozy night in, these cookies pair well with different accompaniments.

With Hot Beverages

• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea complements the spices nicely.
• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the cookie’s sweetness.
• Hot Chocolate: For a comforting treat, serve with creamy hot chocolate.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Board: Add these cookies to a cheese platter for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Fruit Salad: Pair with fresh fruits like oranges or berries for a refreshing bite.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches.

For Special Occasions

• Gift Baskets: These cookies make excellent homemade gifts when packaged beautifully.
• Holiday Parties: Serve them at gatherings for an aromatic seasonal touch.

How to Perfect Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

Creating the perfect batch of Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading during baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and high-quality spices will elevate the flavor profile.
• Measure Accurately: Ensure all ingredients are measured correctly for consistent results.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be firm at the edges but soft in the center.
• Experiment with Zest: Try using zest from different citrus fruits for varied flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

To complement your Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies, consider serving them alongside these delicious side dishes. Each option enhances the overall experience with contrasting tastes and textures.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A rich frosting adds sweetness and creaminess that pairs well with the spices.
2. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy nuts provide a delightful textural contrast to the chewy cookies.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and granola for a light, refreshing side that balances sweetness.
4. Honey Drizzle: A drizzle of honey over warm cookies enhances their flavor and adds moisture.
5. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate offers a decadent touch perfect for dipping each cookie.
6. Spiced Tea Blend: Brewed spiced tea complements the cookie’s flavors while providing warmth on chilly days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Incorrect measuring of ingredients – Using too much or too little flour can alter the texture. Always measure your ingredients accurately, preferably by weight.
• Overbaking – Baking for too long will make your cookies hard instead of chewy. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are firm.
• Not using fresh spices – Stale spices can dull the flavor of your cookies. Ensure you use fresh ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring oven temperature – An inaccurate oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm but not hot.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enhance the flavor of my Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies?

You can enhance the flavor by adding more grated ginger or extra orange zest. This will intensify both the spice and citrus notes.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

How long do Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to one week at room temperature and three months when frozen.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to give your cookies a unique twist while maintaining their spicy essence.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! You can replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg to create vegan-friendly Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their delightful combination of flavors makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or adjust the spices to match your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies, a perfect blend of warm spices and zesty orange that will elevate any occasion. These cookies boast crunchy edges and soft, chewy centers, creating an irresistible treat for holidays, cozy evenings at home, or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones. The unique combination of ginger, cinnamon, and orange zest tantalizes the taste buds, making them a standout among traditional cookies. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these cookies are versatile enough to pair with your favorite hot beverages or be included on dessert platters.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 170 g butter (room temperature)
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 50 g brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 80 g molasses
• 4 tsp grated orange zest
• 12 g grated gingerroot
• 240 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 55 g crystallized ginger (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, then mix in molasses, orange zest, and ginger until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until fully combined.
4. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. Shape the dough into balls (about 1 inch), placing a piece of candied ginger in the center of each ball before arranging them on baking sheets with space in between.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft. Cool on wire racks before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg