Introduction

Bright and spicy, these Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger offer a delightful twist on classic cookies. The combination of zesty orange and warm ginger creates a flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.

Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 portion (370g) Basic Cookie Dough Recipe
3 ounces (85g) crystallized ginger, finely diced
Zest of 1 orange
3 tablespoons white coarse sanding sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Break the basic cookie dough into pieces and place them into a mixing bowl. Let it sit and soften slightly for easier mixing.
Step 2: Add the finely diced crystallized ginger and orange zest to the dough. Mix gently to distribute evenly without overhandling.
Step 3: Shape the dough into a smooth, even log about 7 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Step 4: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 3 hours.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 6: Unwrap the chilled dough and slice the log into ⅜-inch thick rounds.
Step 7: Roll the edges of each slice in coarse sanding sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges look set and the centers turn lightly golden.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Serve on a platter or store as desired.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract along with the zest.
Swap crystallized ginger for finely chopped candied ginger for a softer texture.
Chilling the dough longer will make slicing easier and help the cookies hold their shape.
Use coarse sanding sugar for a crunchy, sparkling finish on the cookie edges.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, warm in a low oven for a few minutes to regain freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without crystallized ginger?

Yes, you can omit the crystallized ginger or substitute with fresh grated ginger, but the texture and sweetness will be different. Crystallized ginger adds both chewy texture and a balanced spicy-sweet flavor.

What is the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the colored part of the orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This ensures bright, fresh citrus flavor in your cookies.

Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 56 reviews

Delight in these tangy and spicy Orange Ginger Cookies, featuring a perfectly balanced mix of citrus zest and finely diced crystallized ginger. Soft, chewy, and subtly sweet with a crunchy sugar-coated edge, these cookies make a refreshing twist on the classic favorite and are ideal for any occasion.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 portion (370g) Basic Cookie Dough Recipe

Add-ins

3 ounces (85g) crystallized ginger, finely diced
Zest of 1 orange

Topping

3 tablespoons white coarse sanding sugar

Instructions

Make the Dough Log: Break the cookie dough into pieces and place them into a mixing bowl. Allow the dough to sit for a bit to soften slightly, making it easier to mix in the additional ingredients without overworking the dough.
Add Flavorings: Add the finely diced crystallized ginger and the zest of one orange to the softened dough. Gently work these evenly into the dough to distribute flavor evenly without overhandling, preserving a tender texture.
Shape Dough Log: Form the dough mixture into a smooth, even log measuring approximately 7 inches long and 2 inches wide. This shape will make slicing uniform cookies easier after chilling.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 3 hours, or until it is firm enough to slice cleanly.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to promote even baking.
Slice the Cookies: Unwrap the chilled dough log and slice it into rounds approximately ⅜ inch thick. This thickness ensures even baking and the desired texture.
Add Sugar Coating: Roll the edges of each cookie slice in the coarse white sanding sugar to give a sparkling, crunchy exterior once baked, then place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges appear set and the centers turn a light golden color. This timing creates cookies that are tender inside with slightly crisp edges.
Cool the Cookies: After removing the baking sheet from the oven, let the cookies rest on the sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps them hold their shape.
Serve or Store: Serve the cookies on a platter for immediate enjoyment, or store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.

Notes

Ensure the dough is chilled thoroughly; this step is important for clean slicing and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
If you don’t have coarse sanding sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar for a less crunchy coating.
Adjust the amount of crystallized ginger to suit your preference for spice and sweetness.
Use a sharp knife for slicing the dough log to prevent squashing or deforming the cookies.
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of green tea or black coffee.

Keywords: orange ginger cookies, crystallized ginger cookies, citrus cookies, holiday cookies, quick baking cookies, chewy ginger cookies