Chewy Ginger Cookies

Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe - Authentic American Classic Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 11 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Chewy Ginger Cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for the holiday season or any time you're craving a deliciously spiced cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm ginger flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Ginger cookies have been enjoyed for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to the 15th century. These cookies were popular in Europe and were often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include different spices and ingredients, but the warm and comforting flavor of ginger has remained a staple in these cookies.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of softened butter
1 cup of brown sugar
1 egg
0.25 cup of molasses
2 tsp of baking soda
2.5 cups of flour
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon
1 tsp of ground ginger
1 tsp of ground cloves
0.5 tsp of salt
extra sugar for coating

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
Add the egg to the mixture and stir in the molasses.
In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, flour, spices, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
Shape the dough into small balls with a diameter of 2 cm and roll them in granulated sugar.
Place the balls on a greased cookie sheet, without flattening them.
Bake the cookies for approximately 11 minutes.

Variations

Add chopped crystallized ginger for extra ginger flavor.
Substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a healthier option.
Add a handful of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will help ensure a smooth and creamy texture for your cookies.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies before baking.

- Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Chewy Ginger Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together helps create a light and fluffy texture for the cookies.

- Rolling the dough in sugar before baking adds a sweet and crunchy coating to the cookies.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

- If you don't have ground cloves, you can use allspice or nutmeg as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Chewy Ginger Cookies ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to bake, simply roll the dough into balls and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chewy Ginger Cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve them in a decorative cookie tin for a thoughtful gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Chewy Ginger Cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, such as hot chocolate, coffee, or even a glass of red wine for a sophisticated treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chewy Ginger Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a 350°F (200°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chewy Ginger Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chewy Ginger Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chewy Ginger Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chewy Ginger Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chewy Ginger Cookies are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Chewy Ginger Cookies contain dairy and eggs.

Summary

Chewy Ginger Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and a good source of iron and calcium. However, they do contain dairy and eggs, so be mindful of any allergies.

Summary

Chewy Ginger Cookies are a classic treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their warm and comforting flavor, soft and chewy texture, and simple ingredients, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delicious and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chewy Ginger Cookies. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own mother. She was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals and treats for our family. One day, as I was helping her in the kitchen, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook from the shelf and flipped through the pages until she came across a recipe that caught her eye.

"These Chewy Ginger Cookies are a family favorite," she said with a smile. "I learned how to make them from my own mother, and now I want to pass the recipe down to you."

I watched in awe as she gathered the ingredients and began to mix them together in a large mixing bowl. The warm, spicy aroma of the ginger filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. As she scooped the dough onto a baking sheet and slid it into the oven, I couldn't wait to see the final result.

When the timer dinged and my mother pulled the cookies out of the oven, they were a golden brown and smelled heavenly. I eagerly bit into one, and the chewy texture combined with the perfect blend of spices was like nothing I had ever tasted before. From that moment on, I knew that these Chewy Ginger Cookies would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made these cookies countless times, each batch just as delicious as the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a little extra ginger or a sprinkle of cinnamon to suit my own tastes. But the basic recipe remains the same, a cherished family tradition that I am proud to pass down to my own children and grandchildren.

I have shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, always happy to spread the joy of these Chewy Ginger Cookies to others. It brings me great pleasure to see the smiles on their faces as they bite into a warm, freshly baked cookie and savor the rich, spicy flavor.

I have collected many recipes over the years, from cookbooks, magazines, and friends. But the recipe for Chewy Ginger Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my mother and the love and care she put into every meal she cooked for our family. It reminds me of the joy of creating something delicious from simple ingredients and sharing it with those I love.

As I grow older, I find comfort in the familiar routine of baking these cookies. The act of measuring, mixing, and shaping the dough soothes my soul and brings back memories of happier times. And when I take a bite of a warm, chewy cookie fresh from the oven, I am transported back to that kitchen long ago, where my mother first taught me the magic of cooking.

So if you ever find yourself craving a sweet, spicy treat to warm your soul, I urge you to give these Chewy Ginger Cookies a try. Let the aroma of ginger and cinnamon fill your kitchen, and take a moment to savor the simple pleasure of a homemade cookie made with love. I promise you won't be disappointed.