Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger Recipe
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
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
- 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