Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies

Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies Recipe - Delicious Holiday Treat!

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes per batch | Servings: makes about 4 dozen cookies

Introduction

These Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of ginger and cloves with the bright citrusy taste of orange. The cookies are topped with a sweet almond icing that adds a festive touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

History

The combination of orange and ginger in baked goods has been a popular flavor pairing for centuries. Gingerbread cookies have long been a holiday tradition, and the addition of orange zest adds a fresh twist to the classic recipe. The sweet almond icing is a modern addition that adds a touch of elegance to these festive cookies.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened
1.25 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp dark corn syrup
1.5 tbsp grated orange rind
1 tbsp water
3.25 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp ground cloves
0.25 tsp salt

Icing

1 egg white
1 tbsp almond extract
confectioners' sugar, as needed (about 2 – 4 cups)

How to prepare

In a large mixer bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer.
Beat in the egg until it becomes light.
Stir in the corn syrup, orange rind, and water.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
Divide the dough in half.
Wrap each half in wax paper and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Prepare lightly greased baking sheets.
On a lightly floured surface or between sheets of floured wax paper, roll out one piece of dough at a time to a thickness of 0.13 inches.
Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake until golden, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool.
For the icing, mix together the egg white and almond extract in a small bowl until frothy.
Stir in the confectioners' sugar until the mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.
Drizzle the icing over the cookies.
Allow the icing to set.
Store the cookies in a covered container.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies before baking for extra sweetness.
Substitute lemon zest for the orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a richer taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for easier rolling.

- Roll out the dough to a consistent thickness to ensure even baking.

- Use cookie cutters in festive shapes to make these cookies even more special.

- Allow the icing to set completely before storing the cookies to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light and fluffy texture in the cookies.

- Rolling out the dough to a consistent thickness ensures even baking.

- Drizzling the icing over the cookies adds a decorative touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Honey can be used instead of dark corn syrup for a different sweetness.

- Ground nutmeg can be added for a warm spice flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for these Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange these Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with edible glitter for a sparkling presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store these Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to warm through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies are a good source of vitamin C from the orange zest.

Alergens

These Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies contain eggs and almonds.

Summary

These Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of protein and healthy fats. However, they do contain allergens such as eggs and almonds, so be mindful of any dietary restrictions.

Summary

These Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the warm flavors of ginger and cloves with the bright citrusy taste of orange. Topped with a sweet almond icing, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and festive treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and catching up on all the latest gossip. As she rummaged through her recipe box, she pulled out a tattered old card that read "Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies."

"Oh, these are a family favorite," Margaret exclaimed, a twinkle in her eye. "My grandmother used to make them every year for the holidays. Would you like to give them a try?"

I eagerly nodded, my curiosity piqued. Margaret handed me the card, and I scanned the ingredients and instructions. The combination of orange zest, fresh ginger, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves sounded absolutely delightful. I could already imagine the aroma filling my own kitchen as the cookies baked in the oven.

Margaret guided me through the steps, sharing tips and tricks that had been passed down through generations. As we worked side by side, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The way Margaret moved with such confidence and grace in the kitchen reminded me of my own grandmother, who had taught me the joy of cooking when I was just a young girl.

As the cookies baked, the scent of orange and ginger wafted through the kitchen, mingling with the warmth of the spices. I eagerly waited for them to cool, impatient to taste the fruits of our labor. When I finally took a bite, I was transported back in time to my own childhood Christmas celebrations. The cookies were a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a zesty kick from the orange zest. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in my own family.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe for Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies, adding my own little twists and tweaks along the way. I experimented with different types of flour and sugars, adjusting the ratios of spices to suit my own taste. I even started incorporating some of my own favorite ingredients, like a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.

As my own children grew older, they would eagerly join me in the kitchen each holiday season, eager to help bake a fresh batch of cookies. I would regale them with stories of Margaret and her grandmother, passing down the recipe and the memories that came with it. It became a tradition that we all looked forward to, a way to connect with our past and create new memories together.

But as the years passed, Margaret's health began to decline. She could no longer join me in the kitchen, her hands too frail to work the dough or zest the oranges. I would visit her often, bringing her a tin of Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies to brighten her day. We would sit together in her living room, savoring the familiar flavors and reminiscing about the times we had shared in the kitchen.

One day, as I sat by Margaret's bedside, she reached out and took my hand in hers. "Promise me you'll keep making those cookies," she whispered, her eyes glistening with tears. "Promise me you'll pass down the recipe to your grandchildren, so they can feel the same joy and love that we have shared."

I squeezed her hand tightly, my own eyes brimming with tears. "I promise, Margaret. I promise that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, and that I will continue to share it with those I love for as long as I live."

And so, I have kept my promise. Each holiday season, the scent of orange and ginger fills my kitchen once again as I bake a fresh batch of Christmas Orange-Ginger Cookies. I share them with friends and family, passing down the recipe and the memories that come with it. And as I watch my own grandchildren eagerly devour the cookies, their faces lighting up with delight, I know that Margaret's legacy lives on in each and every bite.