Ultimate Ginger Cookies
These ginger cookies combine warm spices, sweet molasses, and chewy crystallized ginger for a classic, soft‑inside, crackly‑top treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy snack, the recipe is quick and straightforward, yielding sixteen satisfying cookies.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 °F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt; combine the dry mix with your hands.
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Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the brown sugar, vegetable oil, and molasses on medium speed for 5 minutes.
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Switch the mixer to low speed, add the egg, and beat for 1 minute; scrape the bowl, then beat for another minute.
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With the mixer still on low, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.
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Stir in the chopped crystallized ginger until evenly distributed.
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Scoop the dough with two spoons or a small ice‑cream scoop, roll each portion into a 1 ¾‑inch ball, flatten lightly, and roll both sides in granulated sugar.
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Place the cookies on the prepared pans and bake for exactly 13 minutes, until tops are crackled and centers remain soft.
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Cool the cookies on the sheets for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips
For uniformly sized cookies, use a small ice‑cream scoop and roll to the same diameter before coating in sugar. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Video
“The Ultimate Ginger Cookies | Barefoot Contessa: Cook Like a Pro | Food Network” by Food Network, watch on YouTube.
About this recipe
The Ultimate Ginger Cookies are a tender, spiced biscuit that balances the deep flavor of dark brown sugar and molasses with the bright zing of crystallized ginger. A light coating of granulated sugar adds a subtle crunch to the exterior while the interior stays soft and chewy. Serve them fresh from the cooling rack with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a comforting bite.
These cookies are easy to make, requiring just a few minutes of mixing and a short bake. They store well in an airtight container, making them a great make‑ahead treat for winter gatherings or to enjoy throughout the season.
